The sculpture 'Güzel İstanbul' created by Gürdal Duyar was perceived as an emblem of modernist art in Turkey. Erected in a public area, it showcased a nude figure that was intended to celebrate beauty and human form. However, its placement stirred significant controversy, particularly among conservative factions in the city who argued that it was inappropriate for a public space. On the night of its removal, city officials executed the order discreetly, preventing any public protest from occurring at the scene. The act of tearing down the sculpture was met with disapproval from local artists and proponents of liberalism who viewed the removal as an infringement on creative freedom. This incident not only highlighted the clash between conservative and liberal values in Turkey during the 1970s but also emphasized the challenges faced by artists under a regime sensitive to public morality. Scenes of artists rallying and expressing their outrage in the aftermath symbolized a clear indication of the societal rift regarding art in public spaces.