In the intricate tapestry of urban geography, my pedagogical approach transcends the conventional as I employ walking practice not merely as a form of physical movement but as a profound political and artistic act. Unraveling the layers of cityscapes to challenge hegemonic urban change, I aim to achieve social and environmental justice by commoning the urban experience through walking.
Throughout my years of teaching, the philosophy of walking has become an integral component of my academic discourse, extending beyond the traditional realms of education. Beyond its educational merits, walking becomes a nuanced political instrument, disrupting established norms and resisting the forces of change that perpetuate patriarchal and feudal structures.
This practice, rooted in the ethos of commoning, serves as a powerful means for individuals to assert subjectivity and engage in a dialectic with the evolving urban environment.
In courses such as “Production of Space and the Urban Condition,” I guide students through the city’s social and physical landscapes, fostering an intersectional understanding of urban conditions.
My commitment extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by my contribution to “Walks for Spatial Justice,” where I employed walking as an artistic intervention, challenging the hegemonic urban agenda in Turkey.
Through this lens, walking emerges not only as a method of exploration but as a transformative act, forging pathways towards social and ecological justice in the global urban landscape.
If you are interested in participating in the walks, please feel free to reach out to me at altinok.emrah@bilgi.edu.tr for further details.