The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum hosted the distinguished ceremony for Europe’s premier architectural accolade The European Prize for Architecture at a picturesque setting next to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, on September 15, 2023.

This year’s recipients of The European Prize for Architecture are three Turkish architects who have been champions of human rights.

Despite being confined to their prison cells serving 18-year sentences on charges of “treason,” they stood up against social injustice in Turkey.

Additionally, they had forewarned about the devastating consequences of the February 2023 earthquakes in both Turkey and Syria.

The three imprisoned human rights activists sentenced in April include Ms. Ayse Mucella Yapici, architect from the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects; Mr. Tayfun Kahraman, urban planner and the Executive Board Chairman of the Chamber of Urban Planners; and Mr. Can Atalay, attorney for The Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects.

The representatives of the three prize recipients found a warm welcome by Mr. Christian Narkiewicz-Laine, president of The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum for Architecture and Design and Mr. Ioannis Karalias, Chairman of The European Centre, Greece.

On Mrs. Yapici’s behalf, the prize was received by Mrs. Suna Kafadar, a friend of the Yapici family, when she transferred the thankful words of Mrs. Yapici from prison.

For Mr. Tayfun Kahraman and Mr. Can Atalay the prizes have been accepted by Dr. Tuba İnal Çekiç, Associate Professor at Hertie School-Berlin and long friend and colleague of Tayfun Kahraman.

Mr. Tayfun Kahraman’s acceptance speech of The European Prize for Architecture from prison, given to us by his representative:

“Dear colleagues, I am honored to receive this award from you who are dedicated to the advancement of our professions and the promotion of progressive initiatives in architecture and design. My sincere thanks go to the European Centre For Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies for awarding me the European Prize for Architecture. This award has been a source of great motivation during my time in prison.

I’m sending this message from İstanbul-Silivri Closed Prison, where I’m currently being held without legal justification. We have been behind bars for seventeen months for opposing a construction project in Gezi Park, the historic heart of Istanbul, that involved the removal of trees. We are accused of attempting to overthrow the government by force, simply for opposing police brutality and undemocratic actions. In an authoritarian environment, where democracy and justice are suspended, such lawlessness becomes the norm. This is how we endure 18 years of imprisonment without evidence or crime, simply for defending our parks and fulfilling the duties of our profession.

Dear colleagues, your unwavering support and solidarity give me strength during my days in prison. I am hopeful that with your continued support, this injustice will soon be rectified and we will regain our freedom. Regrettably, I am unable to attend the award ceremony and I am deeply honored that my colleague and dear friend Tuba, who served alongside me as Co-President of the Chamber of Town Planners, will represent me at the event. I would like once again to express my deepest gratitude for the European Prize for Architecture and I look forward to the day when I will be able to join you in person at the next award ceremony.

I dedicate this prize to the memory of the young people who lost their lives in Gezi Park and to all those affected by police violence.

Sincerely yours,
Tayfun Kahraman, Phd / Silivri Closed Prison”