Istanbul Chamber of Physicians is moving to a new address

The Istanbul Chamber of Physicians has announced that it will be moving to a new address because its central building in Cağaloğlu, where it has operated for many years, poses an earthquake risk.

The statement emphasized that Cağaloğlu holds not only a physical but also a historical significance for the Istanbul Chamber of Physicians. The depth of this bond was described with the words: "Is it possible to think of Taksim Gezi Park separately from the Gezi Uprising? Or Taksim Square from May 1st? That is the kind of integration the Istanbul Chamber of Physicians had with its Cağaloğlu office."

The Istanbul Chamber of Physicians stated that this building, which also hosted the Turkish Medical Association in the past, has been an important center for the struggle for democracy and labor. It was noted that the hall bearing the name of Sevinç Özgüner, the first female member of the TTB Central Council, will continue to be preserved in memory of the work she carried out there.

The decision to move was made due to the building's insufficient resistance to earthquakes. "We realized that it would no longer be able to carry us in the major earthquake awaiting Istanbul," the statement said, emphasizing the difficulty but inevitability of this decision. The Istanbul Chamber of Physicians stated that it will continue its activities with determination in its new location.

Finally, it was stated that the possibility of returning to Cağaloğlu in the event that the building is reinforced or renovated will be evaluated, though this remains uncertain for now. "Still, one thing is certain: even years from now, the name Cağaloğlu will bring the Istanbul Chamber of Physicians to mind," the statement concluded, highlighting that this historic venue will not be forgotten.

News Source: 12punto