Common destiny of Korea and Turkey

By Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu

In South Korea, there are a lot of historical buildings that are important symbols of the capital, Seoul. One of them is Gwanghwamun, the main and the largest gate of Gyeongbok Palace, originally built during the Joseon Kingdom.

The gate has been damaged several times and rebuilt over the centuries. It was to be deconstructed and moved southeast to a new location during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-45). Japanese officials decided to create an administration building on its spot to demonstrate the power of Japan.

The Japanese General Government Building, completed in 1926, was built on palace grounds after demolishing most of the historical complex. It was designed by the German architect Georg De Lalanda.

Its removal began in 1995, amid criticisms. According to some, this building was an important vestige of Japanese imperialism to show the next generation. Others were excited to demolish this symbol of colonialism. Relocating it was costlier than demolishing it. As a result, the people decided to reclaim the considerable historical area of Gyeongbok Palace. The process started on the day of independence on Aug. 15, 1995, and was completed in 1996.

The Japanese General Government Building was a major symbol of colonialism, invasion and domination. Interestingly, a similar process was held in the late period of the Ottoman Empire.

Turkish Style of Destruction

The Great Russo-Turkish War between 1877 and 1878 ended after the Russian army reached Istanbul. It was shameful Russian soldiers were not stopped from entering the city.

Although the Treaty of San Stefano (later changed to the Treaty of Berlin) was signed, the Russian Empire pursued a way to create sustainable dominance over the Ottoman Empire. Russian officials demanded a monument be built in Istanbul’s neighborhood Yesilkoy (also known as Ayastefanos) where the Russian army stopped during the war, to the memories of Russian soldiers who died in the war. Istanbul accepted the proposal after numerous impositions from Russian officials.

During construction in 1895, the Ottomans figured out the Russians were trying to establish a symbolic and tremendous memorial, rather than just an ordinary monument for their soldiers.

In 1914 when the Ottoman Empire entered World War I, Ottoman leader Enver Pasha decided to demolish this memorial. Although some protests were held, the destruction was completed.

Ottoman officials tried to shoot a film of the destruction. Fuat Uzkinay, a third lieutenant, was assigned to fulfill this mission. The first Turkish movie in history, it was titled “The Destruction of the Russian Monument at Ayastefanos.” Ottomans gave a symbolic response to Russia’s symbolic construction.

Turkey and Korea both have their historic parallels. The Japanese General Government Building at Gwanghwamun and the Russian monument at Ayastefanos are important examples to understand the common destiny of the two countries.

Writer is a Turkish journalist in Seoul. Write to oztarsu@gmail.com.