Who is Mahir Polat?

Here is a biography of Mahir Polat, the Deputy Secretary General of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality:

Early Life and Education

• Birth: Born in 1976 in Erzincan, Turkey.

• Education: Graduated from Istanbul University’s Faculty of Letters, Department of Archaeology and Art History in 2002. He pursued his master’s degree in Architectural History at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and completed his graduate studies in Museology at Yıldız Technical University (YTU) in 2008. He finished his Ph.D. in Religious Cultural Heritage at Istanbul University in 202312.

Career

• Professional Career: Began his career at the General Directorate of Foundations in 2005 and became a Foundation Specialist in 2009. He served as the conservator of Akaretler Atatürk Museum and as the Director of Turkish Foundation Construction and Artworks Museum from 2016 to 201912.

• Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality: After Ekrem Imamoglu became the Mayor of Istanbul in 2019, Polat was appointed as the Head of Cultural Assets Department. He later became the Deputy Secretary General of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality2.

• IMM Heritage Project: Founded the IMM Heritage project, which aimed to restore and preserve Istanbul’s cultural heritage sites. Under his leadership, numerous historical structures were restored, and new museums and public spaces were created3.

Academic and Professional Contributions

• Expertise: Specializes in cultural heritage conservation, museology, religious and social history, and architectural history. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the History Foundation Board of Trustees and Europa Nostra Turkey12.

• Publications and Projects: Has been involved in numerous museum and exhibition projects, and has contributed to the restoration of many historical sites in Istanbul12.

Recent Developments

• Arrest and Charges: Arrested on March 23, 2025, under allegations of aiding the PKK terrorist organization. He denied all charges, stating that his interactions were academic in nature46.

Mahir Polat has significantly contributed to the preservation of Istanbul’s cultural heritage through his role as the Deputy Secretary General of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Here are some key contributions:

Key Contributions to Istanbul’s Cultural Heritage Preservation

1. IMM Heritage Project:

   • Initiation and Leadership: Polat played a crucial role in founding the IMM Heritage project in 2019, which aims to restore and repurpose Istanbul’s historical structures for public benefit1.

   • Scope and Impact: The project involves restoration work at over 1,200 locations across Istanbul, focusing on central districts like Fatih, Beyoğlu, and Eyüpsultan1.

2. Restoration and Revitalization:

   • Historical Sites: He oversaw the restoration of significant sites such as the Casa Botter, Muammer Karaca Theatre, Beyoğlu Cinema, and Metrohan in Tünel Square, transforming them into vibrant cultural spaces13.

   • Earthquake Preparedness: Polat emphasized the importance of earthquake precautions in cultural heritage sites, ensuring their safety and preservation3.

3. Promoting Cultural Awareness:

   • Community Engagement: His efforts have fostered a connection between Istanbul’s residents and their cultural heritage through guided tours and public events3.

   • Sustainable Tourism: By creating new cultural attractions, Polat aims to distribute tourism more evenly across the city, reducing pressure on popular sites and promoting sustainable tourism strategies4.

4. Expertise and Collaboration:

   • Multidisciplinary Approach: Polat works with a diverse team of experts, including restoration specialists, architects, and art historians, to ensure comprehensive preservation efforts1.

   • Professional Affiliations: He is a member of organizations like the History Foundation Board of Trustees and Europa Nostra Turkey, reflecting his commitment to cultural heritage preservation5.

Mahir Polat’s contributions have been instrumental in preserving Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage, making it more accessible and integral to daily life in the city.