I FOLLOWED THE MINARETS IN İSTANBUL AND THE SEA IN İZMIR

Gibson travelled the city alone and said that he was following the minarets in İstanbul and the sea in İzmir not to get lost. David Gibson emphasized that the guiding systems in Turkey was lacking but the hospitality of the people when compared to other countries in the world made up this deficiency. 

David Gibson, who came to İzmir as the guest of Department of Visual Communication Design told signs and guiding systems in the seminar organized at İzmir University of Economics. Gibson stated that there were many deficiencies in Turkey on this subject and said, “I visited Sultanahmet, Ayasofya and Beyoğlu in İstanbul. Historical guiding signboards were enough. However, there has to be some touchstones. They were not there. The most important deficiency in İstanbul is the lack of a full map. A study must be done about this. Guiding systems are not sufficient. However, it is not a big problem. The people are very friendly and helpful. It is something that I have not seen in any country in the world. I found my way by following the minarets in İstanbul and the sea in İzmir."

Gibson stated that America and England were very successful about signs and guiding systems and said, "They are conducting serious studies about this subject. Turkey can make up the deficiencies. When a man sets foot in a country that he does not know and if he has no money and does not know the country's language, the first thing he feels will be fear. Then comes the feeling of confusion. Since I visited many countries the most powerful feeling I feel is excitement. Turkey excited me a lot. Especially its history is fantastic. I went to Kemeraltı in İzmir. Its architectural and historical structure is very beautiful. The local features must be highlighted. The houses with bay windows and wrought iron impressed me a lot. As I said before, even tough the guiding systems lack, Turkey is a head of many countries in the world with its historical texture and human affairs.” 

David Gibson, who spent three days at İzmir University of Economics with students, attended workshops in two after the seminar that took place in the first day. He made studies about signs and guiding systems in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design building the construction of which is continuing.