Publications
Contextual Compatibility and Adaptive Reuse Potential of Muvakkithanes in the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul, Turkiye
Adaptive reuse of muvakkithanes—historic timekeeping houses in Istanbul’s UNESCO-listed peninsula—must prioritize contextual compatibility over functional flexibility. A study analyzing ten structures within 400 m of major landmarks reveals that current uses, such as storage or retail, often fail to align with conservation goals. Instead, successful reuse depends on balancing physical capacity and urban context, shaped by tourism, commerce, transport pressure, local mixed use, and residential character. The research, combining field surveys (July 2024), GIS analysis of land use, open-space access, and environmental pressures, demonstrates that muvakkithanes should not be treated as 'empty rooms' but as heritage structures requiring case-specific functional assessments to ensure sustainable integration into their evolving urban environments.
From historical continuity to topological fracture: Istanbul Historic Peninsula
Istanbul's Historic Peninsula, once characterized by strong historical continuity, now exhibits a significant topological fracture. This shift is not abrupt but a gradual, scale-dependent process where the alignment between spatial structure and functional use has weakened, particularly at local and intermediate scales. The study, using Space Syntax methods and DepthmapX software, analyzed street network data across five periods (1786–2025), revealing that while trade-related Points of Interest (POIs) maintain strong associations with integration and choice values, cultural and religious spaces show more selective patterns. This mismatch highlights the need to rethink spatial continuity in terms of accessibility, wayfinding capacity, and functional distribution.
Assessment of Urban Quiet Areas in the Context of Nature-Based Solutions: Istanbul Historical Peninsula Example
Urban quiet areas, traditionally defined by noise thresholds, benefit significantly from natural elements such as soundscape, vegetation, and water bodies. This study reveals that integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban planning can enhance the perception of quietness in Istanbul's Historic Peninsula, offering a model for acoustic-quality green infrastructure. Researchers employed noise mapping, in situ sound recordings, and surveys to analyze relationships between sound environments and physical factors influencing quietness. Findings underscore the potential of NBS strategies to improve urban greening by prioritizing auditory perception in space planning.
Inheritance without the heritage: fig trees and the ecological effects of imaginative attachments to fetih (conquest)
This study reveals that the concept of 'fetih' (conquest) serves as both an imaginative framework for heritage-making and a tool for ecological destruction, particularly in the context of Istanbul's historic Balat and Fener neighborhoods. It demonstrates how new inhabitants reinterpret and attach themselves to the area's native fig trees through this imagined heritage, while simultaneously contributing to its ecological degradation. The research connects ethnographic data with the interplay between cultural and ecological heritage, challenging traditional notions of heritage as solely human-centric. By analyzing these dynamics, it questions the social boundaries of heritage and highlights the consequences of neoliberalism on material and immaterial heritage in post-empire nation-states.
Parametric Exploration of Natural Lighting and Visual Comfort in Contemporary Additions to Historic Buildings
A novel methodology for optimizing roof covering designs in historic buildings, particularly those with open courtyards, has been developed to balance visual comfort and energy efficiency. The study demonstrates that parametric modeling using Rhinoceros3D/Grasshopper3D, combined with Ladybug and Honeybee plugins, can effectively evaluate solar heat gain, light transmittance, and area properties of transparent surfaces like ETFE. This approach ensures visual harmony while mitigating the greenhouse effect in enclosed courtyards, as illustrated by a case study on one of Mimar Sinan's buildings in Istanbul. The findings highlight the feasibility of using steel and ETFE for contemporary interventions, offering a scalable solution for preserving historic structures while adapting to modern needs.
The Short-Term Rentals and Gentrification: The Case of Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Short-term rentals (STRs), particularly those facilitated by Airbnb, significantly intensify gentrification in historic urban areas. A study focusing on Beyoğlu, Istanbul, reveals that STRs drive up property values and contribute to the 'Airbnbification' of housing, particularly in Galata, reducing long-term rental options and displacing local residents. This phenomenon is exacerbated by weak or non-existent regulations, allowing STR platforms to reshape housing markets without conventional constraints. The research employed a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from Airbnb listings with qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions to balance housing affordability, historical preservation, and social equity in gentrifying districts.
An ecological dilemma, novel sustainable ideas for Istanbul examining zoning regulation for green-areas and housing
Istanbul's urban planning faces an ecological dilemma, balancing seismic resilience and sustainability while grappling with the legacy of Henri Prost's century-old zoning strategies. The study reveals that integrating historical zoning practices—particularly those emphasizing green-areas and housing typologies—can address contemporary challenges like climate change and urban density. By analyzing Prost's distinctive district-specific zoning techniques, the research proposes novel sustainable solutions to protect green spaces while planning new settlements. It highlights a critical gap in current regulations and advocates for revisiting old zoning laws to foster a harmonious relationship between human development and environmental sustainability.
Pre-History of Street Music in Istanbul: Historicizing the Discourses of Street Music
Street music in Istanbul, particularly after the 1990s, has been linked to global urban struggles, but its pre-1990s history was often overlooked or dismissed. This study identifies four distinct socio-historical contexts of street music prior to this period: music in public spaces like picnic areas and promenades; street vendors accompanied by music; outdoor music tied to drinking binges; and neighborhood performances. It also highlights key groups, including immigrant musicians, Gypsy entertainers, and rural âşık (minstrel) traditions. Using categorical content analysis on historical texts, films, and secondary sources, the research uncovers three dominant themes in historical discourses: street musicians as wandering urban folk artists, members of low-status groups, or outsiders. These findings historicize street music's discourses, providing a deeper understanding of its socio-historical context before its modern explosion.
Assessment Method of Modern Buildings Constructed in a Historical Area; as a Case Study İMÇ Blocks
A novel assessment method for modern buildings in historical areas, exemplified by the İMÇ Blocks in Istanbul's Drapers and Yard Goods Bazaar, reveals that large-scale structures can harmoniously integrate with historic environments without compromising spatial quality. The study found that despite their size, the İMÇ Blocks maintained architectural consistency with traditional house layouts, respected historical vistas (e.g., views of Süleymaniye Mosque), and preserved transverse and longitudinal circulation patterns. The research compared site plans from 1933 and 1967, analyzing mass proportions, courtyards, circulation, and façade details against international preservation standards. Criteria for modern heritage included technical, aesthetic, historical, socioeconomic, and intangible qualities, while conservation focused on respecting existing landmarks and reversibility. The findings suggest that thoughtful design can enhance spatial quality in historic areas.
Changing Approaches of the 1972 Convention’s Stake- holders. Historic Areas of Istanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul's historic areas, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) in 1985, have experienced significant shifts in stakeholder dynamics and governance since their designation. The study reveals that the 1972 Convention has catalyzed a 'supranational' multi-stakeholder approach, elevating local debates to an international platform and imposing new pressures on urban planning and conservation efforts. This paper assesses how the Convention's framework influences national decision-making processes, particularly in the context of Istanbul's urban historic centers. By analyzing state of conservation reports and stakeholder perspectives, it highlights both the impacts and limitations of international regulations in shaping heritage management practices.
Exploring Daily Tour Routes in Historical Peninsula by Using Generative Design
A novel approach using generative design has identified nine optimized daily tour routes within Istanbul's UNESCO-listed Historic Peninsula, revealing overlooked sightseeing potentials beyond traditional landmarks like Sultanahmet Square and Topkapı Palace. The study prioritized walkability and exploration of the peninsula's 12,000 registered buildings, including those on the Marmara Walls and Golden Horn shores, by analyzing road widths and topography. These routes, with defined starting points and mandatory stops, were optimized for accessibility while preserving historical texture, offering a decision support tool for city planners, tour guides, and travelers.
The Visual Integrity Approach in Historical City Development (A Comparative Study between Istanbul, Vienna, Kyoto and Yogyakarta)
Maintaining visual integrity is crucial for preserving the authenticity and sustainability of historical cityscapes amid urban development pressures. A comparative study of Istanbul, Vienna, Kyoto, and Yogyakarta highlights that visual integrity—encompassing sequence, orientation, continuity, and complexity—can be strengthened through natural and cultural landscape strategies. The research analyzed these aspects to derive best practices for Yogyakarta's city planning, emphasizing the need to balance urban growth with the preservation of historical values. This approach offers a framework for other historic cities facing similar challenges.
Port Heritage, Planning Challenges and the Role of GIS Tools in Multi Layered Cities
Urban regeneration projects in Istanbul's historic port areas, driven by neoliberal policies, have disrupted the spatial continuity of underground cultural heritage. This study highlights that conservation plans for multi-layered cities like Istanbul must integrate an underground cultural inventory from a historic landscape perspective to preserve port heritage. Focusing on Yenikapı, the research employs GIS tools to overlay archaeological surveys, geological data, and historical maps, demonstrating the significance of the Port of Theodosius—a key grain trade hub in the Byzantine era—dating back to the Neolithic period. By applying the concept of historic urban landscape, the study advocates for a conservation approach that accounts for Istanbul's complex, stratified urban formation.
Rivers of the Sultan: The Tigris and Euphrates in the Ottoman Empire
The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, pivotal to Mesopotamia's 'cradle of civilization,' experienced unprecedented stability and integration under the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century. This period saw the empire unify river management from mountain to ocean, institutionalizing cooperation among dominant users for navigation and food production. Through a network of forts, canals, bridges, and shipyards, Istanbul harnessed these resources to bolster its security and economy. A key innovation was the redistribution of natural resources—grain, metal, and timber—from surplus areas in Anatolia to downstream regions in Iraq, strengthening Ottoman control over eastern borderlands and countering challenges from neighboring empires like the Safavids. This study reveals how centralized river management rebalanced regional resource disparities, illustrating intimate bonds between state, society, metropole, periphery, and nature during the early modern era.
Counter-Mapping through Digital Tools as an Approach to Urban History: Investigating the Spatial Condition of Activism
Urban heritage is not static but dynamically shaped by socio-political contexts, offering potential for sustainable development when its evolving meanings are understood. This study reveals that protests in Istanbul's historic areas during the 1960s redefined urban heritage—previously manipulated by an autocratic government—to assert social rights, demonstrating how counter-mapping through digital humanities tools can uncover these processes. By analyzing spatial patterns of activism linked to mid-century urban operations, the research highlights the need for deeper societal context in heritage studies to harness its full potential for democratic and sustainable cities.
Culture-led Urban Transformation Strategies for Industrial Heritage and Industrial Areas in Istanbul
Culture-led urban transformation strategies for industrial heritage and brownfields in Istanbul show significant potential for entrepreneurial growth, particularly in high-income areas. A multi-criteria evaluation method revealed that while sites like those along the Bosphorus are favorable for such strategies, integrating creative and progressive approaches could enhance their effectiveness. The study provides a framework for planners to guide medium- and long-term regeneration efforts, combining spatial analysis with cultural development strategies to address idle industrial sites in a global city context.
Degeneration of socio-urban fabric at Yenikapı and proposals for rehabilitation
Urban conservation efforts in the historic Yenikapı neighborhood of Istanbul face significant challenges due to rapid development, including new constructions and public transport expansion. A study conducted between February and June 2019 identified key pressures affecting the area's integrity and authenticity, such as jarring architectural changes and town planning decisions. The research analyzed onsite conditions along Paşazade, İmrahor Hamamı, and Sepetçi Selim streets to assess the current state of conservation. Proposals for revitalization were suggested to preserve the neighborhood's historic character and cultural heritage value, emphasizing the importance of maintaining urban fabric while addressing modern development pressures.
Evaluation of the Conservation Process in Historic Areas of Istanbul in the Context of Rights
The conservation process in Istanbul's historic areas, while aiming to preserve cultural heritage, significantly fails to integrate human rights principles. This research reveals that the current system lacks a rights-based framework, leading to inefficiencies and shortcomings in heritage protection. Through qualitative methods—including in-depth interviews with seven key stakeholder groups (local people, government entities, conservation organizations, professionals, academicians, and investors)—the study identifies 30 indicators where the existing process deviates from rights-based criteria across physical, economic, social, cultural, political, and legal dimensions. The findings underscore that stakeholder preferences and restricted heritage rights are primary barriers to effective conservation, ultimately undermining the success of heritage preservation efforts.
Politics of Loss in a World Heritage Site: The Case of the Historic Vegetable Gardens of the Land Walls of Istanbul
Historic vegetable gardens (bostanlar) within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Istanbul's Land Walls face imminent destruction due to urban renewal pressures, highlighting a critical tension between architectural conservation and cultural landscape preservation. These gardens, integral to local agricultural heritage, are being systematically erased despite efforts by heritage experts to challenge commercial and political imperatives driving urban regeneration. The study reveals that institutional frameworks prioritize monument-focused conservation over culturally sensitive approaches, creating an unsustainable conflict. The fate of these gardens hinges on reconciling these opposing perspectives through negotiation and accommodation.
Visibility Model of Tangible Heritage. Visualization of the Urban Heritage Environment with Spatial Analysis Methods
A novel methodology for defining and preserving heritage sites, grounded in visibility analysis, reveals how urban renewal projects can alter the perceptual identity of historic areas. By applying isovist analyses and Space Syntax methods to Sulukule, Istanbul—a neighborhood with significant cultural-historical assets—this study demonstrates that renovation efforts have reshaped visible and known spaces, potentially eroding tangible heritage. The approach links perceptual behavior with built environment data, offering a tool for evaluating which elements should be protected based on visibility criteria. This work provides a framework for heritage planning that balances preservation with spatial analysis.
Cultural Mega-Events
Cities hosting cultural mega-events, such as the European Capital of Culture, face significant physical and institutional changes that can impact their heritage. A study examining Genoa, Liverpool, and Istanbul reveals both opportunities and risks for World Heritage Sites when integrating event planning with heritage preservation. The research highlights the potential benefits of embedding events within existing urban fabric to enhance sustainability while also addressing challenges to heritage conservation. This work provides critical insights for future historic cities and decision-makers to better prepare for such large-scale events.
Evaluating the City Image of Istanbul Historic Peninsula Through Academicians’ Perspective
A high degree of similarity (0.86) was found among academicians' perceptions of Istanbul's Historic Peninsula, revealing dominant urban legibility and image on its eastern side, particularly around the Atatürk Boulevard-oriented area. This dominance is attributed to negative psychological boundaries. The study analyzed 32 surveys using MAXQDA 2018 Analytics Pro, employing Kuckartz–Rädikers zeta similarity analysis. Landmarks and districts were prominent in verbal maps, while landmarks and urban nodes stood out more in hand-drawn maps. Additionally, strong correlations were observed between unsafe and unlikeable elements, as well as likeable and safe elements.
‘Yeşil Alan’dan Geleneğe: Somut/Somut Olmayan Kültürel Miras Dikotomisi, Kültürel Peyzaj ve Yedikule Bostancılığını Dünya Mirası Olarak Korumak
Yedikule vegetable gardens, situated within Istanbul's UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic areas, represent one of the last living examples of the city's Byzantine-era vegetable gardening tradition. Despite their historical significance and potential to be protected under the cultural landscape category—introduced in 1992 for safeguarding both tangible and intangible heritage—the gardens currently lack formal protection status. A study analyzing interviews with local gardeners reveals that integrating these gardens into World Heritage conservation efforts could preserve traditional gardening practices, foster public engagement, and inform policy development. This approach would recognize the gardens' organic evolution alongside historic land walls, ensuring their survival as a cultural landscape while involving gardeners in decision-making processes.
An apprenticeship project: Silversmithing in Kapalıçarşı (the Grand Bazaar
A groundbreaking apprenticeship project reveals how traditional silversmithing techniques from Istanbul's Grand Bazaar can inspire contemporary product design, while also offering craftspeople new opportunities for innovation. By pairing industrial design students with local artisans, the study demonstrated a mutually beneficial exchange between craft knowledge and modern design principles. This approach not only preserves heritage skills but also redefines their role in today’s creative economy, challenging conventional notions of tradition and craftsmanship.
DSM Quality of Korean Satellite KOMPSAT-3 in Comparison to AW3D30 and Sentinel-1A in Respect of Airborne Laser Scanning
Korean satellite KOMPSAT-3 demonstrates superior digital surface model (DSM) quality compared to AW3D30 and Sentinel-1A, as shown by a comprehensive analysis of accuracy and morphological detail in Istanbul's historic peninsula. Using airborne laser scanning (ALS) DSM as a reference, the study evaluated absolute and relative accuracies, revealing that KOMPSAT-3's 5 m spacing DSM outperformed the other datasets in both precision metrics—standard deviation (SZ) and normalized median absolute deviation (NMAD)—and detailed terrain representation. Launched in 2012 with a ground sampling distance of 0.7 m, KOMPSAT-3's stereo imaging capability enables high-resolution 3D earth data, offering significant advantages for large-scale modeling and heritage site analysis.
Exploring the Fringe-Belt Phenomenon in a Multi-Nuclear City: The Case of Istanbul
Urban fringe-belts, once peripheral zones of historic cities, have undergone significant transformation into central business districts (CBDs) due to urban growth cycles. This study highlights how such areas in Istanbul, initially characterized by loose textures and potential for public spaces like green areas and industrial heritage sites, now reflect CBD characteristics while retaining their role as ecological corridors and buffer zones against urban sprawl. The research employs detailed land-use analysis to trace these changes within the broader urban development pattern of Istanbul, emphasizing the importance of understanding fringe-belts' dynamics for urban memory, heritage preservation, and future city planning.
Regeneration, Heritage and Sustainable Communities in Turkey
Balancing local community needs with the preservation of historic environments leads to more equitable and sustainable urban regeneration solutions, particularly in Istanbul's evolving regeneration spaces. The study integrates relational, multi-scalar, and contingency planning approaches to address the complexities and uncertainties inherent in these areas. By focusing on the interplay between regeneration, community aspirations, and sustainability, this research offers new possibilities for creative and effective strategies in historic housing conservation projects.
Visual impact assessment of the Istanbul Land-wall
A visual impact assessment of the Istanbul Land-wall reveals that, despite its historical significance as part of UNESCO's Historic Areas of Istanbul, the area does not meet adequate visual quality standards. The study, which analyzed 24 photographs across four spatial usage types—recreational, transportation, agricultural, and neglected places—found that neglected areas scored significantly lower in both public and expert surveys. Public participants rated photographs on parameters such as 'well-kept,' 'exciting,' 'safety,' and 'beautiful scenery,' while experts assessed 'coherence,' 'imageability,' 'stewardship,' and 'historicity.' The findings, derived from one-way ANOVA tests comparing public and expert preferences, indicate that the Land-wall's visual appeal is suboptimal, particularly in neglected regions. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to enhance its visual quality, offering critical insights for future design and planning efforts.
Colliding Urban Transformation Process: the Case of Historical Peninsula, Istanbul
Urban transformation in Istanbul's historic Golden Horn area reveals the tension between top-down planning and community participation, with significant implications for preserving social and spatial quality. The study compares three urban projects to expose their multidimensional structures, missions, and roles, highlighting how economic development goals often overshadow participatory processes that could enhance urban life. While all projects aim to upgrade the historic neighborhoods, their approaches vary in effectiveness, exposing both potentials and limitations of current urban transformation dynamics.
Cultural Heritage Conservation and Culture-Led Tourism Conflict Within the Historic Site in Beyoğlu, Istanbul
A critical review of Istanbul's Beyoğlu conservation master plan reveals significant conflicts between cultural heritage preservation and culture-led tourism, leading to negative impacts on tangible and intangible heritage, public space, and urban regeneration. The study, framed within Turkey's conservation legislation and ICOMOS decisions, identifies key issues such as fragmented planning boundaries, reconstruction of historic buildings, car-oriented transport designs, and the commercialization of cultural functions. These findings underscore the need for a more holistic approach to balance heritage conservation with sustainable tourism development.
Housing Renewal Sites and Spatial Features of Deterioration and Deprivation in Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula
Istanbul's historic peninsula is undergoing rapid urban transformation, raising questions about the effectiveness of housing renewal programs. A study found that these programs often fail to align with spatial boundaries and locational characteristics of deprived housing estates, despite theoretical success in social and economic objectives. The research employed a quantitative methodology within a spatial framework to measure comparative deprivation features between renewal sites and other residential quarters. Findings indicate discrepancies between planned renewal areas and actual deprivation patterns, offering critical insights for evaluating the implementation frameworks of these programs.
Importance of a Management Plan in Protection of Cultural Heritage: Istanbul Historic Peninsula Case
Management plans are critical tools for balancing protection, usage, and development in UNESCO World Heritage Areas, as demonstrated by Istanbul's Historic Peninsula. Since its inclusion on the World Heritage List in 1985, Istanbul has implemented two management plans (2011 and 2018), which guide authorities in conservation efforts through structured preparation processes and stakeholder engagement. These plans, revised annually within a five-year reconstruction cycle, have significantly influenced the protection of Istanbul's cultural heritage. The study highlights the importance of integrated urban strategies, financial mechanisms, and collaboration with NGOs to ensure sustainable development while preserving historical integrity.
The Role of Heritage Impact Assessment in Safeguarding World Heritage Sites: Application Study on Historic Areas of Istanbul and Giza Pyramids
Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) emerges as a critical tool for safeguarding World Heritage Sites, balancing preservation with development while mitigating adverse effects. A qualitative study involving interviews with site managers, archaeologists, and governmental bodies in Turkey and Egypt revealed that both the Historic Areas of Istanbul and the Giza Pyramids face significant threats from infrastructure and development projects. The research highlights a pressing need for local expertise in HIA to reduce reliance on foreign experts, as current practices often lack comprehensive mitigation strategies. By applying HIA methodology, stakeholders can make informed decisions that protect heritage integrity while supporting sustainable development.
Changing Cities and Changing Memories: The Case of Taksim Square, Istanbul
Urban memory serves as a critical indicator for preserving the integrity of historic urban landscapes (HUL), bridging the gap between evolving spaces and collective recollections. This study highlights how Taksim Square, Istanbul—a symbol of historical significance—has undergone rapid transformation since 1923, particularly post-1980s, due to planning decisions that alter its physical environment, functions, and cultural references. These changes erode public memory, threatening the continuity of heritage. The research proposes 'urban memory' as a new metric for HUL preservation, emphasizing the need to integrate social elements alongside physical conservation. By analyzing expert meetings (2005–2010) and UNESCO’s HUL framework, it demonstrates that heritage preservation must account for dynamic urban dynamics to sustain both tangible and intangible cultural layers.
Parking Management Policies Based on Behavior Analysis at Fatih District in Istanbul, Turkey
Parking behaviors and policy preferences significantly vary across sub-areas within Fatih District, Istanbul. A study analyzing interview survey data revealed distinct parking patterns, influencing the selection of effective management strategies. Statistical analysis and a discrete choice model identified key factors affecting policy choices, providing actionable insights for urban planners to tailor parking solutions in historic cities with limited space.
The reuse and conservation of Ottoman commercial inns on the Historic Peninsula in Istanbul
Ottoman commercial inns on Istanbul's Historic Peninsula, characterized by their large courtyards serving as social public spaces, face significant challenges in adaptive reuse. This study identifies key obstacles and proposes integrated conservation strategies to preserve these historic structures while ensuring their functionality in modern urban life. By analyzing the transition from traditional bazaars to contemporary shopping models, the research highlights the need for balanced approaches that maintain cultural heritage without compromising daily utility.
Urban Problematic of Cultural Management in Historical Fragments in Istanbul: a Case Study in Fener-Balat and Süleymaniye
Urban transformation and gentrification in Istanbul's historic districts, including Fener-Balat and Süleymaniye—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—have disrupted the relationship between symbolic capital and collective memory, threatening cultural heritage. The study reveals that neoliberal urbanization processes have led to the instrumentalization of urban space, prioritizing market-based trajectories over alternative paths, and have contributed to phenomena such as urban alienation and cultural uprooting. This shift has also transformed collective consciousness based on historicity, moving towards a post-emotional socialization stage where culture is mediatized and expressed in packaged socio-spatial practices. The research analyzes the socio-spatial impacts of gentrification and the unregulated dynamics of Neo-Ottomanist approaches in urban renewal, highlighting the risks to human-centered democratic communities and polyphonic cultural constituents.
Use of Structural Steel Frames for Structural Restoration of URM Historical Buildings in Seismic Areas
Structural steel frames offer a promising solution for enhancing the seismic performance of unreinforced masonry (URM) historical buildings, particularly in earthquake-prone regions like Istanbul. This study demonstrates that attaching internal steel frames to URM walls significantly reduces inter-story drifts and increases lateral stiffness and strength, even in buildings with plan irregularities. The technique preserves the building's historic fabric, avoids architectural space occupation, and allows for easy replacement post-earthquake if minor damage occurs. Applied to a five-story historical masonry building in Istanbul, the proposed method effectively mitigates seismic risks while maintaining structural integrity and cultural heritage.
A Semi-Automated Point Cloud Processing Methodology for 3D Cultural Heritage Documentation
A semi-automated methodology for 3D façade modelling of cultural heritage assets has been developed, leveraging parametric and procedural modelling techniques with airborne and terrestrial laser scanning data. This approach significantly reduces the time and resources required for traditional architectural surveys while maintaining high accuracy in documentation. The methodology was successfully implemented using an open-source software environment and applied to a 16th-century Ottoman structure, Sinan the Architect’s Şehzade Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. By combining advanced laser scanning technologies with procedural modelling, this study advances the field of cultural heritage documentation, offering a robust and efficient solution for preserving historical structures.
Neighbourhood Regeneration in Istanbul – from Earthquake Mitigation to Planned Displacement and Gentrification
Current top-down, neo-liberal urban regeneration policies in Istanbul prioritize economic growth and gentrification over earthquake resilience, leaving vulnerable communities at risk. The study identifies three phases of post-1999 earthquake neighborhood regeneration: an initial phase focused on resilient redevelopment with minimal gentrification, a second phase dominated by controversial displacement and gentrification under pro-development policies, and a third phase where economic incentives drive profitable redevelopment rather than seismic vulnerability reduction. A case study of Bağcılar highlights both limitations and potential for improvement. The paper argues that 20th-century urbanization challenges continue to shape regeneration problems today and calls for 'bottom-up' research to evidence the social costs of current practices and propose alternative, resilient models.
The challenges on spatial continuity of urban regeneration projects: The case of fener balat historical district in istanbul
Urban regeneration projects in Istanbul, including those targeting historic districts like Fener and Balat, risk spatial fragmentation, degeneration, disidentification, alienation, and gentrification due to weak governance, socioeconomic disconnection, and inadequate modern conservation principles. The study analyzes the 'District Fener Balat Rehabilitation Program,' initiated post-1996 Habitat II Conference, and examines its challenges based on technical expertise reports from administrative court proceedings and graduate theses supervised by the authors over a decade. Findings highlight the tension between urban regeneration goals and heritage conservation in historic urban environments, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that balance development with the preservation of unique cultural and urban patterns.
The Challenges on Spatial Continuity of Urban Regeneration Projects: the Case of Fener Balat Historical District in Istanbul
Urban regeneration projects in Istanbul, particularly those targeting historical districts like Fener Balat, face significant challenges that risk spatial fragmentation and the loss of cultural identity. The study highlights weak governance, disconnection from socioeconomic contexts, and a lack of modern conservation principles as key obstacles to maintaining spatial continuity. These factors contribute to risks such as degeneration, disidentification, alienation, and gentrification in the district. The analysis is based on technical expertise reports from administrative court proceedings and graduate thesis research conducted over the past decade.
Tarlabaşı, Istanbul: a case study of unsustainable urban transformation
Urban transformation projects, such as the municipally sponsored renewal in Tarlabaşı, Istanbul, often undermine historic, social, cultural, and economic sustainability. This study reveals that such initiatives can dismantle deeply rooted communities, displace thousands of residents, and alter the urban fabric from its original 16th-century character to a modern, homogeneous landscape. Using historic records, maps, plans, and photographs, researchers demonstrate how Tarlabaşı's transformation—replacing narrow streets and diverse buildings with glass-and-steel condominiums—has destabilized adjacent communities and exacerbated homelessness in central Istanbul. The findings highlight the broader impact of similar projects on the sustainability of historic urban areas.
The Advantages of Using Laser Scanners in Surveying in Protected Sites
Terrestrial laser scanning offers significant advantages for documenting historical edifices in protected areas, providing highly accurate three-dimensional point cloud data that can be transformed into detailed 3D models and orthophotographs. This technology mitigates challenges associated with large-scale surveying, saving time while capturing intricate details of structures. A case study from the Historic Peninsula in Istanbul demonstrates its application, showcasing how laser scanning was used to generate comprehensive 3D point clouds of street silhouettes and facades, which were then transposed into survey images and drawings. The findings highlight the potential of this method for preserving and analyzing historical sites with unprecedented precision.
Insurmountable Tension? On the Relation of World Heritage and Rapid Urban Transformation in Istanbul
Heritage management in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is not merely about conservation but also serves as a tool for urban transformation. While international organizations and preservationists often criticize the Turkish system for its structural deficits, this study argues that these practices can be seen as an integral part of a flexible management approach. This duality allows for both heritage preservation and rapid urban development, appealing to investors while simultaneously hindering effective opposition to transformation projects in historic neighborhoods.
Istanbul, Türkei: Istanbulder Holzhäuser
A critical gap in Istanbul's architectural documentation has been identified, with the remaining wooden houses representing a race against time to preserve their historical significance. These structures, particularly those on the Princes' Islands and along the Bosphorus, exhibit unique typological developments influenced by European and North American models. The study highlights rationalization efforts seen in semis pairs and documents notable examples such as the German Ambassador's summer residence in Tarabya, including functional buildings like the carriage house and sailors' house, the latter built during World War I. This research underscores the importance of urgent documentation to capture the last remnants of Istanbul's timber architecture before their disappearance.
Ten From squatter upgrading to large-scale renewal programmes: housing renewal in Turkey
Turkey's housing renewal policies have evolved significantly since the establishment of the Republic in 1923, shifting from informal squatter upgrading to large-scale renewal programs aimed at improving living conditions and mitigating natural disaster risks. A key finding is that while top-down approaches under the 2005 Renewal Law have been effective for earthquake risk mitigation and urban transformation, they often face controversy due to their extensive clearance requirements, particularly in historically significant areas like Istanbul's Historic Peninsula. The study argues for a greater emphasis on rehabilitation, upgrading, and local resident participation in future renewal strategies. This research combines policy analysis with case studies to explore the implications of these approaches.
Assessment of the Child-Friendliness of the Küük Ayasofya Neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey
A study assessing the child-friendliness of the Küük Ayasofya Neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey, reveals that historic urban areas undergoing rapid development can be transformed into more inclusive spaces for children through strategic planning and design. The research identifies key criteria for creating child-friendly open spaces, emphasizing the need for safe, engaging, and accessible environments. Using a combination of observations, photography, and child surveys, the study highlights the importance of integrating children's perspectives into urban planning processes. Lessons learned from this initiative provide valuable insights for similar projects in other historic city centers.
Safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage through a tri-sector model: the jewellery quarter in the Old City of Istanbul
A tri-sector regeneration model is proposed to safeguard Istanbul's traditional jewellery craftsmanship and its historic location, the 'jewellery quarter' near the Grand Bazaar. This approach empowers artisans through collaboration with local institutions and a non-governmental organization (e.g., Jewellery Quarter Foundation), fostering social and economic development while mitigating gentrification risks. The model integrates tenant artisans into urban governance, ensuring grassroots-led regeneration. A proposed multipurpose center would serve as a hub for artistic, cultural, educational, and spatial improvement activities, reinforcing the quarter's unique heritage.
Application of non-destructive techniques to assess the state of Hagia Sophia's mosaics
Non-destructive techniques, including ground-penetrating radar, infrared thermography, and fiber-optic microscopy, successfully identified the grid of rendered mosaics beneath Hagia Sophia's external plaster surfaces. The study revealed that high relative humidity combined with salt damp and air pollutants are primary decay factors accelerating mosaic degradation. Notably, prior incompatible conservation interventions exacerbated these processes, highlighting their detrimental impact on preservation efforts. These techniques also pinpointed sub-layers at risk of detachment or further decay, offering a strategic approach for targeted conservation planning.
Riding the storm: ‘new Istanbul’
Istanbul faces a critical urban dilemma where real-estate-driven growth, aimed at global economic expansion and improved living standards, threatens its historic identity, social inclusivity, and ecological balance. This study highlights how the city's transformation into a fragmented megacity—marked by gated communities, residential complexes, and tourist zones—erodes its public character, turning historic districts into mono-functional 'dead spaces.' The research argues that for Istanbul to retain its inclusive, diverse nature, civic actors must develop a new critical politics capable of steering real-estate growth toward the common good. This involves balancing popular support for economic development with the preservation of Istanbul's cultural and social openness, akin to navigating a storm caused by the 'new Istanbul.'
Site management process and urban renewal in Istanbul: Historical Peninsula
Uncoordinated urban renewal projects and the absence of a comprehensive Master Zoning Plan pose significant challenges to the effective management of Istanbul's Historical Peninsula, despite legal frameworks aimed at its preservation. The study highlights how concurrent large-scale plans and projects, alongside ongoing site management processes, have led to dominant impacts on the area without sufficient coordination or long-term planning. This situation underscores critical gaps in urban governance and heritage conservation strategies for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cultural Triangle and Beyond: A Spatial Analysis of Cultural Industries in Istanbul
Istanbul's cultural industries—arts and culture festivals, the film industry, and fashion design—are spatially concentrated within a distinct 'cultural triangle,' forming a vibrant urban core characterized by dense social networks, historic buildings, and a critical mass of creativity. This study identifies this clustering as a key driver for economic development in the city, contrasting sharply with the peripheral areas that lack such cultural vitality. The research employs spatial analysis to map these industries' distribution, revealing how their concentration enhances urban attractiveness while highlighting disparities in spatial planning. Suggestions for policy intervention aim to bridge this gap, promoting more equitable cultural and economic growth.
Planned gentrification in istanbul: the sulukule renewal area 2005-2010
Planned gentrification in Istanbul's historic areas, exemplified by the Sulukule Renewal Area project (2005–2010), demonstrates how authoritarian urban regeneration policies can lead to the displacement of marginalized communities. The study reveals that despite civil society efforts for community-based alternatives, the implementation of a top-down renewal plan resulted in the total demolition of Sulukule and the destruction of its Roma community. This case highlights the broader implications of such projects, sparking debates about the purpose and outcomes of regeneration in Istanbul. While some advocate for halting regeneration to prevent gentrification, others propose developing a sustainable, conservation-led, and community-based model inspired by international experiences. The Sulukule experience also underscores the need for action to address the vulnerabilities of poorer neighborhoods, particularly in light of seismic risks.
The Impact of Neoliberal Policies on Historic Urban Space: Areas of Urban Renewal in Istanbul
Neoliberal urban renewal policies in Istanbul have significantly altered historic urban spaces, prioritizing private capital accumulation over the preservation of cultural heritage and local livelihoods. The 2005 Law on Renewal, which designates areas for redevelopment, has been implemented through four case studies—Sulukule, Tarlabasi, Suleymaniye, and Fener-Balat—revealing how municipalities leverage this framework to dismantle historic housing as 'common public assets.' This shift undermines both local economies and the cultural capital of communities, challenging traditional notions of urban space ownership. The study critically analyzes these processes, highlighting the tension between state-authorized redevelopment and the preservation of Istanbul's historic identity.
Urban Regeneration and Hegemonic Power Relationships
A powerful urban coalition, dominated by central and local government actors, state institutions, and private-sector entities, has emerged in Turkey since the 2000s, driving neo-liberal urban transformation policies aimed at maximizing land rents and real-estate development. This coalition's influence, bolstered by legal changes and institutional initiatives like those of the Mass Housing Development Administration (TOKİ), has reshaped Istanbul's socio-spatial structure, prioritizing areas with high rent-gaining potential while exerting pressure on squatter housing and historic urban centers inhabited by the urban poor. The study reveals how this hegemonic discourse, supported by developers, landowners, and media, has steered Istanbul toward a vision of international finance, service, and tourism, illustrating broader trends in economic and political spheres.
Creating Sustainable Communities in Historical Heritage Sites: Istanbul's Historic Neighbourhoods
A recent European Union-funded regeneration program in Istanbul's historic neighborhoods of Fener and Balat demonstrates mixed effectiveness in addressing the physical, social, and economic decline threatening these deprived areas. The study evaluates the program's impact on sustainable community development by examining its strengths and weaknesses, providing insights into the interplay between conservation needs and community requirements. Key principles for future initiatives are highlighted to ensure long-term sustainability in historic heritage sites, offering a model for similar efforts globally.
Developing Sustainable Communities in Historic Neighbourhoods of Istanbul
Recent regeneration efforts in Istanbul's historic neighborhoods, such as Fener and Balat, demonstrate that balancing conservation with community needs can foster sustainable, equitable communities. The study highlights the success of a European Union-funded participatory program, which addressed urban deprivation while preserving built heritage. By analyzing Turkish urban conservation policies and socio-spatial changes, the research identifies key strengths and weaknesses in community-based regeneration approaches. These insights provide valuable guidance for future initiatives aimed at developing sustainable community policies in Istanbul's historic quarters.
Istanbul into the Twenty-First Century
Istanbul's transformation into the twenty-first century showcased its success in global city marketing, with a rapid development of high-rise structures, luxury residential compounds, and shopping malls. The city beautified its center to anchor global networks while gentrifying areas like Beyoğlu and the historic peninsula, alongside rebuilding the Golden Horn waterfront. This urban renewal coincided with preparations for the 2010 European Capital of Culture status, positioning Istanbul as a leading contender in investment, revenue, and cultural prestige.
Searching for a Balance Between Community Needs and Conservation Policies in Historic Neighbourhoods of Istanbul
Recent regeneration efforts in Istanbul's historic neighbourhoods, such as Fetter and Balat (F&B), struggle to balance community needs with conservation policies. This study reveals that while sustainability and community-focused approaches are gaining traction among policymakers, their integration into urban conservation strategies remains limited. By analyzing the regeneration story of F&B, the research identifies key strengths and weaknesses in current conservation-led initiatives, offering critical insights for future sustainable urban development in historic areas. The findings suggest that achieving equilibrium between community aspirations and built environment preservation is essential for equitable and sustainable solutions.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Historic Areas of Istanbul