This is a rough cut of a personal project that I co-produced with Tuncay Toker. It was never aired. We tried many different media outlets at the time the demolitions were coming into full effect, but no one seemed to be interested in Istanbul's Roma community. Their community has now been destroyed because of neo-conservative economic policies. Istanbul's Roma have since been displaced and are scattered across the city and beyond. Parisian ghetto style neighbourhoods are being created outside the city. Development, yes, but at what cost? Destroying the social fabric of a city is a crime and should be stopped. Unfortunately Istanbul is racing ahead with development projects that often don't include any real thought for the protection of what makes this city so exceptionally special - its cultural heritage needs to be protected. Film by Jody Sabral & Tuncay
