“Night Hawks” Watching Over the City: Redeployment of Night Watchmen and the Politics of Public Space in Turkey

Abstract

Technological advances have enormously increased surveillance techniques in the last three decades. In this article, we scrutinize the re-instatement of bekçi, the traditional night watchmen patrolling the residential neighborhoods in Turkey, which was obsolete for decades. We analyze the re-emergence of the bekçi in relation to the dynamics of urbanization, and with a perspective of power and surveillance. Our discussion bridges the Foucauldian notion of “visibility,” equating it with being subject to surveillance, and the Arendtian emphasis on “appearance” as the precondition for a claim to public space (hence, citizenship) in order the uncover the role of visibility within the mechanisms of power in public space. We argue that although the bekçi seems outmoded, especially within the context of ever-increasing advancement of surveillance technologies; its recent deployment in the public spaces of Turkish metropolises brings about new modes of politics of visibility parallel to the changing modality of the urban environment.

Pathway Network Design as Natural Surveillance Strategy of Safe Green Roof Environment for Public

“…Like the rest of the public realm, green roofs with less public engagement and no specific activities that take place give out a sense of unwelcoming. Without working surveillance, the rate of crime surrounding the green roof would increase (Batuman & Erkip, 2019). These areas are also perceived to be threatening with dangerous corners and no perceived escape route towards the dead end.…”

Application of Pathway Network Design as Natural Surveillance in Malaysian Public Green Roof

“…On the other hand, uncontrolled public accessibility would expose the green roofs to the danger of vandalism, which adds to higher maintenance costs to the green roof, an already expensive building feature. With the absence of working surveillance, the rate of crime around the green roof would increase (Batuman & Erkip, 2019). Dangerous corners and no perceived escape route towards the dead-end would expose the general public to the danger of becoming the victim and gives out an overall perception of a threatening environment on the green roof that criminals can take advantage of (Kenny, 2020) instead of being a public-friendly space for all.…”