Historical Peninsula Research Articles

EVALUATION OF THE PRESERVATION STATE OF HISTORICAL PENINSULA IN ISTANBUL BASED ON GEOSPATIAL DATA

Abstract. Inventory Project for the Cultural Assets of Istanbul (2015–2019) revealed that there are approximately 35000 historical and cultural assets in Istanbul due to its history with regards to being homeland and capital of many different civilizations. Historical Peninsula (Fatih district) which also contains four World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO has 30% of the total registered historical assets inventory in Istanbul. Throughout the inventory project for the cultural assets of Istanbul, huge amount of data was collected by site-work with their spatial references. Cultural assets’ database was related with the spatial data on GIS software and it will serve as a tool for various analyses in order to understand and evaluate the situation. Essentially 11 analyses were generated from inquirable geospatial data for Historical Peninsula of Istanbul. Geospatial data is constituted of approximately 140 distinct data-type including location, architectural description, conservation state, materials or cultural era that can be useful for different analyses and also cross-examine such as non-functional assets on public property or structural state of assets which require an urgent intervention. In addition, specific thematic maps and different routes for touristic and cultural purposes can be produced on GIS platforms, based on this study. In this paper, these mentioned studies of the Inventory Project of Istanbul will be described in detail and several case studies generated for the Historical Peninsula will be presented. It is aimed to define a data processing methodology created for cultural heritage by using GIS platforms in order to be evaluated in further projects.

A Case Study on the Restoration of A Historical Masonry Building Based on Field Studies and Laboratory Analyses

ABSTRACT In historical masonry buildings, the durability of materials used for the structural members can be impaired by climatic conditions and user interventions, and the building may lose its authenticity as a result of functional changes made over time. To restore structures to their original form, the historical changes that have been made over time are researched, and by identifying the original material characteristics it becomes possible to preserve the load-bearing members, thus prolonging their service life. This paper presents a detailed description of the restoration works, which were based on the original geometric and material properties, carried out on a historical masonry building that started out in life as a hospital building in the 1840s, but was later remodeled to become a military prison building and currently serves as the Faculty of Political Sciences of Istanbul University. The study is presented in three stages, namely: i. a research of the historical timeline of alterations of the examined building, ii. a field study, and iii. laboratory analyses. The historical research identifies the structural changes that the building has undergone since its construction, while the field study includes a three-dimensional laser scanning process and the taking of representative samples from different points of the building. In the laboratory stage, the gathered samples are subjected to chemical and mineralogical analyses. The mortar and plaster mixture ratios used in the construction were ascertained through physical and chemical tests to samples taken from the building, and subsequently, all non-original binder materials have been removed and the original mortar-plaster mixture ratios have applied. After a review of the data collected within the scope of this study, it was determined that the two reinforced concrete buildings to the north and south of the site, which were built later in the history of the investigated building, as well as the temporary partition walls to each story, should be removed. Furthermore, it is recommended that the modified facade and interior window forms, together with the blocked-off doorways, should be restored to their original state. The contribution this study makes to literature is based on its focus on a historical masonry building that has lost its original form over time, having been refunctioned for different purposes, that is to be restored back to its original form in terms of its geometric and material properties. The building itself is of particular interest, being the first on the historical peninsula of Istanbul to be constructed using industrial bricks during the Ottoman period. The proposed restoration project can be considered a novel, practical and appropriate approach to authentic restoration.

Saving old cities: land use regression model for traffic emissions in the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul

Saving old cities: land use regression model for traffic emissions in the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul

Saving old cities: land use regression model for traffic emissions in the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul

This study aims to develop a pollution distribution model for estimating traffic related intra-urban concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels. Weekly concentrations of NO2 were measured at 45 different locations in the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul during spring, summer and winter seasons in 2010. The range of NO2 was 14.2-155 µg/m3. A land use regressing (LUR) model was developed to explore the impact of independent variables on the measured levels. Independent model variables were selected based on land use characteristics, traffic and road network information, and meteorological data. Results suggest that 150 metre range is the most effective buffer zone for NO2 distribution characteristics in the study area. Average wind speed and temperature data have significant influences (up to 25%) on the prediction performances. Better estimations were produced for spring and winter seasons, particularly for in land stations compared with costal ones. As a result, the overall prediction performance of the constructed model is satisfactory (R2 = 0.64).

“Western” Influence on Some Palace Gardens in Historical Peninsula of Istanbul

From past to present, Istanbul has witnessed many empires and historical events. This accumulation has made Istanbul one of the most important cities in Turkey. The architecture and historic potential of the city dates back to centuries ago. Palace architecture is the most important cultural inventories of the city. Over time, technological developments and the industrial revolution brought the “western influence” to Turkey. This effect is observed on planning character and on the planting design. The main material of the work is Topkapı Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace. In this context, this paper consist of three stages. Literature studies have been carried out in the first stage. “Western effect” on the palaces has been investigated after the second step consisting of the field study and mapping. As result of the examinations, western influence was studied in three stages as general planning character, structural material and plant material. As a result of the study, results were obtained for each title. Suggestions were made for rehabilitation and palace gardens planning.

Musealisation as a strategy for the reconstruction of an idealised Ottoman past: Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district as a ‘museum-quarter’

ABSTRACTWith culture-led urban regeneration becoming a leading policy for the transformation of historic cities, museums and heritage sites have become a key aspect of this transformation. Given the increasing demands of cultural tourism, the museum concept is expanded to incorporate the rest of the city and historic cities are presented as staged artefacts directed towards tourists, in a process known as musealisation. After the launch of the Istanbul Museum-City Project in 2004, musealisation was adopted as a common strategy for the regeneration of Istanbul’s historic peninsula. Within the scope of the project, the Sultanahmet district would be converted into a museum-quarter. However, recent transformations reveal an underlying motive of glorifying the district’s Ottoman past, in accordance with neo-Ottoman urban policies. This paper discusses the effects of musealisation on the transformation of the Sultanahmet district, by evaluating the policies and their implementation by concentrating on Topkapı Palace Complex, Hagia Sophia, the Great Palace Complex and Hagia Euphemia Martyrion. While the notion of built heritage always involves selection, the musealisation adopted for the Sultanahmet district is rather politically motivated, adding another level of selection through the signification of the Ottoman heritage and intentional neglect of the late-Roman and Byzantine heritage.

Housing Renewal Sites and Spatial Features of Deterioration and Deprivation in Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula

Istanbul, in the current planning agenda, has been prominently facing a drastic urban transformation in its residential patterns. This paper investigates whether recent area-based approaches for housing renewal programs in Istanbul are consistent with respect to spatial boundaries and locational characteristics, in order to target deprived housing estates, or not. Because area-based approaches are discussed in theoretical studies that address their success and achievements in social and economic objectives, the investigations held in the paper aimed to validate spatial boundaries of renewal sites in the Historical Peninsula in accordance with the deterioration and deprivation features of residential quarters. The paper introduces not only descriptive findings about the changing patterns in residential characteristics of the case area but also exploratory findings in a quantitative methodology, depicted in a spatial framework, measuring comparative deprivation features between renewal sites and other residential quarters. These findings will contribute to the further evaluations of renewal programs in Istanbul, within their implementation frameworks.

When the railway reached Istanbul: the making of Sirkeci terminus, 1870–1888

ABSTRACTSince its establishment as a capital city, the historical topography of Istanbul has witnessed significant changes, created not only by devastating earthquakes and fires, but also by the implementation of large-scale imperial projects. In the existing literature, the transformation of Istanbul’s urban area in the nineteenth century has largely explored the topics of new urban regulations, institutions and their implication after the Tanzimat (reform) decree of 1839. This article aims to explore a lesser-known dimension of nineteenth-century developments of the city: the extension of the railway into the heart of Istanbul’s historical peninsula, and the spatial change around the Sirkeci district due to the physical expansion of the terminus area. The construction of a larger terminus (inaugurated in 1890) is relatively well documented in architectural history, yet developments prior to this monumental construction have been less explored so far. Thus, this article also aims to investigate the project’s development and implementation phases in the second half of the nineteenth century, when the city witnessed continuous urban reformation processes by focusing on the intertwined relations of different agents in the urban space.

The reuse and conservation of Ottoman commercial inns on the Historic Peninsula in Istanbul

The basic characteristic of Ottoman bazaars is that they consist of rows of small shops along streets, while modern shopping malls are dominated by the food, beverage and entertainment industry together with large scale shops. The Historic Peninsula in Istanbul was a commercial center accessed by traders via the sea and land routes, and that is where they exchanged and sold their goods since it was settled as a residential area, and this continues to the present day. Traditional Ottoman bazaars had large courtyards which also were social public spaces. The aim of this paper is to discuss in detail the existing problems and difficulties involved in the adaptive reuse of Ottoman Trade Inns located on the Historic Peninsula in Istanbul, particularly inns with courtyards that were built up until the end of 19th century. Recommendations will be given in terms of the protection and reuse of Ottoman Inns in a way that is integrated with daily life.

A sample on the contribution of terrestrial laser scanners in surveying; Sarnıçlı Han in the Historical Peninsula and the cistern in its yard

A sample on the contribution of terrestrial laser scanners in surveying; Sarnıçlı Han in the Historical Peninsula and the cistern in its yard

A Proposed Method on the Analysis of the Square Functionality: A Case Study: Beyazit Square Field Work

In this research, analysis method based on users and sustainable squares should be focused of the users. In this context, “Observation Method” was used for users orientation in the fields (squares).By this method, we can do users observation and users mapping analysis. By This way to compare the data obtained with the mathematical data used Space Syntax method. Space Syntax is an user-oriented method. In this way, we can obtain data about using space and user orientation in the space. So, square’s circulation and static fields are determined. By using the methods, functional and useful spaces will be provided at the same time the production of sustainable spaces. In this research, Beyazit Square in the A°stanbul Historic Peninsula is selected for application area. The method has been tested in this area. With the results of the analysis demonstrated comments for sustainable square design.

Deterioration Types of Stones Used in Suleymaniye Mosque (Istanbul, Turkey)

Suleymaniye Mosque located in the historic peninsula of Istanbul, is one of the most important monument of classical Ottoman Architecture. Different types of natural stones having varied lithological characteristics were used in the mosque. Chemical composition, mineralogical, petrographic characteristics and external conditions such as atmospheric effects, earthquake and human impacts have deteriorated these stones over time. The aim of this study is to investigate different natural stones and their deterioration types used in Suleymaniye Mosque. According to the results obtained, generally different types of granites, marbles, limestones, pudding stones, porphyry, serpentinite were used in Suleymaniye Mosque. Detachment, material loss, biological colonization, discoloration and deposits have been determined as a deterioration types on these stones.

Evaluation Environmental and Social Impacts of Pedestrianization in Urban Historical Areas: Istanbul Historical Peninsula Case Study

Evaluation Environmental and Social Impacts of Pedestrianization in Urban Historical Areas: Istanbul Historical Peninsula Case Study

Comparison Of Laser Scanning And Photogrammetry And Their Use For Digital Recording Of Cultural Monument Case Study: Byzantine Land Walls-Istanbul

Abstract. 3D modeling of cultural monuments is very crucial issue for preparing restoration projects. However, it has challenges such as data acquisition, preparation and processing. 3D modeling of objects can be time consuming and may include some difficulties due to the complexity of the structures. 3D terrestrial laser (TLS) scanning technique is one of the reliable and advantageous methods for 3D reconstruction of monuments. This technique is commonly acknowledged due to its accuracy, speed and flexibility. But the suitability and capability of this technique depends on proper usage, and good survey planning. Magnificent developments in highresolution digital sensor technologies leaded to manufacturing of new camera systems. Parallel to these innovations, development of computer systems and image processing techniques made enable to obtain multiple image-based 3D object models. In the presented study, TLS method has been compared to conventional photogrammetric and image-based dense matching methods. Automatic dense point creation has been realized by our developed algorithm and PIXEL-PHOTO software which generates 3D point clouds from stereo images. The reliability and encountered problems during point cloud measurement process have been discussed. The study area has been chosen as historical Byzantine Land Walls of Istanbul, which constitute a remarkable area defining the ancient city’s historical peninsula.

REGENERATION OF THE HISTORICAL URBAN CENTER AND CHANGING HOUSING MARKET DYNAMICS: ‘FENER-BALAT’

The Fener-Balat districts, located in the Historical Peninsula, are among the most prominent historical and cultural sites in Istanbul. The rapid growth of the city since the 1950s, mostly due to rural migration, has affected the quality of life in various sections of the city including Fener and Balat, leaving them almost completely derelict. The Rehabilitation of Fener- Balat Districts Programme is a joint program of the European Union and the Fatih Municipality (sub-municipality of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality). It was carried out during the period between January 2003 and June 2007. Regeneration, revitalization and rehabilitation of historical urban centers, which have become degraded and dilapidated due to sub-urbanization has been successful in most cases. The gentrification process has also paralleled the resulting socio-economic revitalization and regeneration process. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine and investigate the rehabilitation process and its results in these districts, with special emphasis on the gentrification that occurred as a result of this process. In order to explore how the increase in housing prices in the historical residential Fener and Balat districts after the rehabilitation program affected the social structure and how this process resulted in undesired gentrification, a survey design was conducted and social and economic aspects in Fener-Balat has been analyzed and explored in depth with respect to the individual, immediate surroundings and the urban social structure. The resulting gentrification phase is more important than the preceding phases of revitalization and renovation, because it influences the housing market the most.

Effects of hazardous pollutants on the walls of Valence Aqueduct (Istanbul) by Raman spectroscopy, SEM–EDX and Geographical Information System

This study involves Raman spectroscopic (176–2900cm−1), SEM–EDX and Geographical Information System studies of the pollutants on the walls of Valence Aqueduct (Bozdoğan Kemeri), Istanbul, Turkey. Raman spectroscopy is a useful analytical method in characterization of painting materials and corrosion products. Especially, when it is not possible to take the samples from the place they exist, handheld Raman spectrometers play an important role to identify the materials in these samples. Furthermore, more information could be gathered when it is combined with SEM–EDX studies. On the other hand, regarding the cultural heritage, it is crucial to determine precise coordinates of the historical peninsula and the samples which have been exposed to pollutants, by Geographical Information Systems in order to study them and take precautions for the future. Handheld Raman spectrometer (NanoRam by B&WTek) allows recording of acceptable and good quality spectra of a large majority of minerals outdoors. Raman spectra of minerals and pollutants in this study were obtained using 785nm laser excitation source. Observed Raman bands are found at correct wavenumber positions within ±3cm−1 compared to reference values in the literature. Taking into account the resolution of the spectrometer (9cm−1), the results are still reliable and applicable on such systems. Areas of potential applications of these instruments include all kind of common geoscience work outdoors.

From Constantinople to Istanbul: The Residences of the VenetianBailo(Thirteenth to Sixteenth Centuries)

Medieval Italian city-states with access to the sea, most notably the Venetian and Genoese, were in need of safe ‘stopovers’ that would allow their inhabitants to travel to distant places across the territories in which they conducted commerce. As the most important ‘stopover’ and centre of consumption, Constantinople became a point of attraction for Italian merchant colonies, particularly after the eleventh century. Among these, the most powerful one with the largest settlement was the Venetian colony. Following a decree dated 1082 (Chrysoboullos) that granted them certain privileges, the Venetians settled across the southern shores of the Golden Horn. In terms of administration, it appears that, until the Latin period (1204–1261), no formal officers were appointed to the Venetian Merchant Colony. ‘The bailo’ was first instituted in Constantinople only after the treaty of 18 June 1265. The mention of a house owned by the bailo dates as late as 1277. Documents on the residence of the bailo remain silent until the early fifteenth century. It is unclear if the palace of the bailo mentioned in fifteenth-century documents and the house allocated to the bailo in 1277 are the same building. Despite the Turkish conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the Venetians, albeit with interruptions, continued to live on the historic peninsula. However, it is no longer possible to speak of a Venetian settlement similar to the one that had existed in Byzantine times. Per the agreement signed on 16 August 1454, the Venetians were granted a house and a church that ‘once’ belonged to Anconitans. The possible location and architectural features of the residences of the bailo, which have left behind no archaeological data, are discussed here through written sources including Ottoman documents.

The Y enikapı B yzantine‐ E ra S hipwrecks, I stanbul, T urkey: a preliminary report and inventory of the 27 wrecks studied by I stanbul U niversity

Salvage excavations conducted in the Yenikapi quarter of the historic peninsula of Istanbul by the Istanbul Archaeological Museums 2004–2013 have brought to light the Theodosian Harbour on the Sea ...

Stakeholders’ Perception of Istanbul's Historical Peninsula as a Sustainable Destination

ABSTRACTIstanbul, as a city of more than 13 million also hosting over 10 million tourists a year, has the challenge of managing its resources to provide tourism services within a sustainable perspective. Since the sustainability of a destination requires the long-term consciousness and appropriate behaviour of all interested parties, the opinions of key stakeholders are essential. The study analysed stakeholders' perceptions towards Istanbul's Historical Peninsula as a sustainable urban tourism destination, considering four dimensions: environmental, economic, social and cultural. The research determined that stakeholders have limited knowledge and awareness concerning the sustainability of the destination. For these interested parties, the main concern is the capability of tourism to increase profits, and other sustainability dimensions, such as environmental concerns, are mainly considered in terms of making the destination more attractive for visitors.

An Evaluation of the Seismic Performance of a Traditional Timber Building in Istanbul, Based on the Material Deterioration, with the Finite Elements Method

This paper endeavors to identify the structural characteristics that render traditional timber buildings in Istanbul earthquake-resistant even ifthey are in a deteriorated state. A traditional timber building of approximately 110 years old located in the Historical Peninsula was selected as a subject for the finite elements model. According to the structural material analysis and the condition of the elements of the load-bearing system, three modelling criteria were chosen to classify the strength capacity of the building. These are: an undamaged (new) building, a 110 year-old building with material defects, and a building with structural decay and broken node points. Seismic data from the 1999 Adapazarı and Düzce earthquakes were used for the modelling. The relative floor displacements of the systems were investigated and theresults were evaluated by comparing the cross-sectional load-bearing capacities