Istanbul Project I (2003) is a significant installation by Doris Salcedo created for the Istanbul Biennial, embodying her exploration of trauma, memory and the impact of displacement. The installation consists of furniture—such as chairs and tables—intentionally stacked and wedged into the gaps of abandoned buildings throughout Istanbul, symbolizing the forgotten and overlooked aspects of the urban landscape.

These abandoned spaces serve as metaphors for the people and histories that have been erased or marginalized over time. By

filling these voids with ordinary household items, Salcedo gives voice to the absent inhabitants, emphasizing how loss and memory are intricately woven into the fabric of physical spaces. The precarious arrangement of the stacked furniture creates a sense of tension and instability, mirroring the fragile existence of those displaced and living on the margins of society.

Known for her poignant engagements with themes of violence and loss, Salcedo’s project reflects on the collective pain associated with immigration and the experiences of refugees.