So, the demolition of Sulukule has begun...early. It wasn't supposed to start until the end of the month, but the bulldozers started up last week. Some of the Roma hadn't removed their belongings yet, since many do not have somewhere else to go. They won't be able to afford the rents elsewhere in Istanbul.
There have been several articles in the Turkish Daily News about it lately. Here is a link to an op/ed column about it...
www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/edit...l.php
It's all very tragic. It means the loss of a unique historic community as well as destruction of a site that may well have archealogical treasures buried beneath.
Speaking as a frequent tourist to Istanbul, I'm very sad never to have had the experience of visiting the musicians of Sulukule. The cafes were shut down in the 90's. Now, with no way to support themselves after the loss of tourism, their neighborhood is in a shambles. So, the government says it should be torn down. The same money that's being put into gentrification should be put into rebuilding the cafes and homes.