Ela Alanyalı Aral, explores the transformative role of creative mapping in understanding urban displacement. Her work highlights how mapping can visualize lived spaces and migration narratives. This lecture delves into the shifting identity of Ankara’s Önder neighborhood—from a marginalized ghetto to “Little Halep”—through mapping stories of displacement. By examining public space, residual spaces, and the architectural expressions of migration, the lecture offers insights into the spatial and social dynamics of forced mobility.

Cover image credits: Bera Bilici and Semih Solak

Biography:

Ela Alanyalı Aral earned her PhD from METU Architecture and conducted postdoctoral research on Creative Mapping at TU Delft (2008–2012). Since 2016, she has been teaching at METU, focusing on mapping in architecture. In 2017, she published Mapping Syrian Migration – Migrant Spaces in Ankara, showcasing student projects on refugee spaces. Her studies explore the transformative role of creative mapping in architecture. She continues her research through mapping courses and design studios, with interests in creative mapping, public space, residual spaces.