The Unknown Side of Istanbul | 🇹🇷

Summary

In this immersive video, the creator joins the OS96 graffiti crew in Istanbul, Turkey, as they go on a late-night bombing spree across the city. The video explores the underground world of graffiti, revealing the risks, culture, and philosophy behind this rebellious art form. With encounters ranging from buying supplies to narrowly escaping police, the crew shows the chaotic yet creative nature of graffiti culture. Ultimately, the experience reflects the simplicity behind the art: young people expressing themselves without a manifesto, just leaving their mark on the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video follows a graffiti crew called OS96 in Istanbul, exploring their lifestyle and the risks they take to create their art.
• 😀 Graffiti is portrayed as an outlet for self-expression, with little to no deep philosophical intent behind the crew's actions, just a desire to leave their mark.
• 😀 The crew operates in the illegal graffiti scene, choosing risky spots to 'bomb' (tag), where success in marking a new territory earns them respect.
• 😀 Graffiti culture in Turkey has existed for about 30-40 years, with certain areas having a rich history of street art.
• 😀 Drugs, including cocaine, are sometimes used by graffiti artists to give them the confidence to perform risky activities like climbing walls or trains.
• 😀 Despite the illegal nature of graffiti, authorities in Istanbul tend to overlook the activity unless it escalates into something more severe.
• 😀 The graffiti crew experiences occasional run-ins with the police, but the punishment typically involves fines, not jail time.
• 😀 There is a competitive aspect within the graffiti world, where crews 'disrespect' each other by tagging over each other's work, leading to 'beef' and sometimes violence.
• 😀 The crew's motivation is more about personal satisfaction and identity rather than beautifying the environment or making a political statement.
• 😀 Throughout the night, the crew demonstrates a sense of camaraderie and loyalty, facing danger together as they traverse the city to complete their art.
• 😀 The video ends with a reflection on the simplicity of graffiti: it's not about a profound message but about claiming space and saying, 'I was here.'

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the OS96 graffiti crew in Istanbul?

The OS96 crew primarily focuses on graffiti as an expression of presence rather than for artistic beauty or political messages. Their work is more about marking their territory and making sure people know they were there.

How does the narrator feel about the purpose behind graffiti initially?

The narrator initially expects there to be a deeper, philosophical meaning behind the graffiti. However, they later realize that the purpose is simpler: it's about leaving a mark and being recognized, rather than making a statement.

What are some of the risks involved in the crew's activities?

The crew faces multiple risks including potential arrest, fines, and encounters with undercover cops. They also risk personal injury when climbing or navigating unsafe locations to tag their graffiti.

How does the crew view the police and their presence in the city?

The crew is aware that their actions are illegal, but they maintain a nonchalant attitude toward police encounters. They sometimes evade police or simply get a warning, but they also know there’s a constant risk of getting caught.

What role do drugs play in the graffiti culture according to the script?

Drugs, particularly cocaine, are mentioned as being used by some graffiti artists to boost their confidence and energy, especially when climbing or executing risky tagging actions.

How does the graffiti culture in Istanbul compare to other places?

Graffiti culture in Istanbul has been around for about 30 to 40 years, and while it's illegal, it’s also an important form of self-expression for the youth. It's seen as a way to assert one's presence in a city that doesn't always acknowledge them.

What is the significance of the abandoned building in the story?

The abandoned building, located 20 floors high, serves as one of the best-kept secrets in the local graffiti scene. It represents a place where the crew can create their work without being immediately interrupted or discovered by the authorities.

How does the crew feel about competition with other graffiti groups?

There is competition between different graffiti crews. This often manifests in 'beef' where one crew will tag over another crew's work, leading to tension and sometimes fights. The crews are constantly trying to outdo each other for respect and recognition.

What happens when the crew gets caught in the act of tagging?

When caught by police, the crew typically faces a warning or minor consequences, such as having their paint confiscated. However, in some cases, they might get arrested and face legal charges, as was the case with one of the crew members in the past.

How does the narrator reflect on the experience at the end of the night?

By the end of the night, the narrator reflects on the simplicity of the graffiti crew's actions. They realize that the crew's purpose isn't as profound as initially thought—it’s simply about marking their presence and leaving a part of themselves in the city, even if the world doesn’t notice.