The civic center at Sultanahmet is a place of gathering and interaction for the people. This will be a secular space that responds to the Islamic monuments of congregation. The area contrasts most directly with the Blue Mosque opposite the Arasta Bazaar. Historically, the Hippodrome served as such a space of public gathering; however, “little is left of the gigantic stadium…the Hippodrome fell into ruins following the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul”. Now a contemporary structure will accommodate regular gathering, free of religious boundaries. Trade education will take place in the classroom areas and the crafts will be exhibited to the public. The center will offer open studios and galleries for objects produced by skillful handwork. The vicinity to the Arasta Bazaar will draw the trades-people and visitors of the Bazaar to the proposed building for education.