Sulukule is a historic settlement in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is within the area of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, adjacent to the western part of the city walls. The area has historically been occupied by Romani communities. Roma presence in this part of Istanbul dates back to Byzantine times, while it is in the 15th century, upon Ottoman conquest, that the quarter became (reportedly) the first district in the world permanently settled by sedentary Roma. On 2006 was launched a big renovation project of the neighborhood with a Council of Ministers decision which declared Sulukule a renovation site. Academics, artists, activists and ordinary citizens objected to the project. UNESCO authorities paid a visit to Sulukule and made statements defending the integrity of the existing historical and cultural fabric of the area. However, hundreds of houses were demolished and replaced with modern buildings. "The atelier was founded in 2010, after the demolition of the neighbourhood by the municipality as a result of a renovation Project, to keep the musical heritage alive, to keep the Roma youth together, to develop their musical knowledge and skills, to provide them with the appropriate musical education and to promote them through concerts and performances". Funda Oral, responsable of the Sulukule Art Workshop
