Turkish Architecture Research Articles

The Neglected Modern Architectural Heritage: Analysis of Housing Estates in the Second Half of the 20th Century from Izmir, Turkey, Case Study Area

Twentieth-century housing estates are an important part of the architectural heritage of the modern age, reflecting not only the evolution of housing forms, but also the technological advances and sociocultural dynamics of the twentieth century. However, awareness of the value of this heritage is still insufficient, resulting in a lack of legal protection and numerous threats in the form of transformation and negligence. In this research, we present the problem using the example of modernist Turkish architecture. The settlements of Izmir, a cosmopolitan port city with a diverse socio-cultural fabric and rapidly developing housing architecture, are chosen as the subject of the study. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the state of conservation and the degree of transformation of the selected estates. The overall assessment of the maintenance of the legibility of urban layouts and the form of individual buildings shows that, despite the lack of systematic protection, it is possible to preserve the existing architectural heritage in the examples analyzed and to provide recommendations for future policies to sustain the heritage values of modernism. The research aims to fill the existing gaps in the discourse on modern housing and contribute to a broader international dialogue on the conservation of modern architecture. By including these estates in the ongoing discussion, we recognize their historical significance and promote their preservation as important participants in contemporary urban life.

Classical Interventions: Hegel, Klenze and the Aesthetics of Purity

ABSTRACT In August of 1834, in a ceremony atop the Athenian Acropolis, the German architect Leo von Klenze ordered the dismantling and removal of all non-classical buildings from the hilltop. The results of the ensuing purification transformed the site from a multicultural complex of buildings that had accrued over centuries into what is essentially a minimalist museum, as we know it today. I argue that we can best understand Klenze’s classical intervention if we view it in the context of the discourse of a Romantic-era aesthetics of purity through which it appears self-evidently as the correct course of action. The most comprehensive articulation of this discourse appears in the lectures on aesthetics that Hegel gave in Berlin in the 1820s. Hegel argues that the perfection of Greek classical art emerges only as an overcoming of the misshapen and failed attempts at art that preceded it, which he calls “symbolic” or “oriental” (Egyptian, Persian, Indian). The human spirit, Geist, can materialize itself as a work of art only by Europeanizing itself, by shedding all oriental otherness. We can read Klenze’s intervention, which strips away all remnants of Ottoman Turkish architecture from the acropolis, as this aesthetics of purity written in stone.

Yabancı Mimarların Türk Modernist Hareketine Katkılarının İrdelenmesi

In terms of the assessment of the post-war period, Turkey was not directly involved in the war, but the country was as directly affected as any European country. Under the strong leadership of Atatürk, several reforms consisting of social, educational and industrial developments were carried out after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Architecture was one of the subjects that could be analysed within the framework of the educational reform. Robert Oerley, Ernst Egli, Clemens Holzmeister, Hermann Jansen, Martin Elsaesser, Martin Wagner, Hans Poelzig, Bruno Taut, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, Wilhelm Schütte, Robert Vorhoelzer and Paul Bonatz were some of the architects who were allowed to work in Turkey and who had beneficial works for the Turkish cities both in terms of urban planning and architectural context. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the works of refugee architects, particularly during their stay in Turkey, and their long-term and positive contributions to Turkish architecture in the post-war period. With the research, some questions will be answered, such as whether the foreign architects had a dominance or influence on the Turkish architects; and whether there are any foreign architects who tried to protect the existing traditional order.

Reflections of Privacy and Modesty Approach in Traditional Konya Houses

Architecture as old as human history,is formed by the effects of physical (Topography, climate, local materials, etc.), cultural (family and social structure, customs and traditions, religious belief, etc.), economic and technological factors in the region where it is built. Religious beliefs, one of the cultural factors, have been one of the important factors contributing to the shaping of architecture by influencing the way of thinking and behavior of societies since the beginning of history. The religion of Islam also played an important role in the development of Anatolian Turkish architecture. The Islamic belief of the Turkish society living in Anatolia; not only did it cause the formation of religious architecture such as a kulliye, mosque and masjid, but also made important contributions to civil architecture. Especially in the formation of residential architecture, privacy, modesty, neighborliness etc. The reflections of the Islamic worldview are clearly visible. In this study, the effects of the values of privacy and modesty in the content of Islamic worldview on traditional Konya houses were examined and evaluated. For this purpose, 90 traditional Konya houses belonging to the 19th and 20th centuries, located in the historical city center of Konya province, were examined using photographic documentation and surveying methods. Eight of the houses examined were presented as examples in the study. As a result, although it was concluded that the traditional houses in the Konya region were shaped under Islamic factors in the historical process, it was determined that they underwent changes as a result of increasing westernization tendencies during the 20th century.

The Ideological Background to Architectural Restoration in Turkey (1920s–1960s)

Abstract Based on primary sources such as field notes, reports, and project memorandums, this article addresses architectural restoration work in Turkey from the 1920s to the 1960s. Despite the country’s limited budget and workforce, especially in the early years of the republic, the government crafted an intense preservation program of historic monuments, whereby preservation professionals implemented the scientific protection of architectural heritage mainly through maintenance and repairs. This article argues that the historiography of Turkish art became an agent in restoration, while the concept of the essence of national architecture served as the ideological basis for physical interventions. Seeking to restore the pure forms of Turkish architecture, preservationists searched for the pedigree of built works, and Sinan’s style was treated as the zenith of Turkish architecture. Works by him, along with other examples associated with the “Classical Period of Architecture” were subjected to heavy-handed interventions aimed at achieving stylistic purity.

The Emergence of Mediterranean Discourse in Modern Turkish Architecture and the Special Position of Cengiz Bektaş

The Emergence of Mediterranean Discourse in Modern Turkish Architecture and the Special Position of Cengiz Bektaş

MASJID RAYA AL-MASHUN MEDAN: Telaah Sejarah Sosial Keagamaan

The purpose of this study is how the history of the Al-Mashun Grand Mosque, the Al-Mashun Grand Mosque in the city of Medan in general has a mixed architectural form. It is divided into three: the main room, used as a place of prayer, the shape of the octagon is not equilateral. The left side (south-east) and the right side (north-east) of the main prayer room are surrounded by alleys (corridors). The shape of the dome follows the shape of Turkish architecture with a broken octagonal shape and an octagonal shaped plan with cylindrical columns at each of the corners of the marble. Research on MASJID RAYA AL- MASHUN MEDAN: A Study of socio-Religious History is relevant by using qualitative research because it meets the characteristics of qualitative research, especially in terms of in-depth data disclosure through interviews, observations and document studies of what informants do, how they carry out activities, what activities are carried out for and why they practice virtue or goodness (good morals) in the real reality.

The Art Déco Influence in the Modern Turkish Architecture of the Early Republican Period

With the proclamation of the Republic, Atatürk, the founder of Modern Turkey, wanted a new model of politics that would bring about the establishment of the “nation state”, also symbolized by architecture. Having decided to make a transition to modern architecture in Turkey, Atatürk invited academics from Germany and Vienna to achieve this. Consequently, by the 1930s, architecture followed a functionalistrationalist path in both public buildings and in residences. Another architectural style that wielded a lot of influence on the trends in the Modern Movement in this period was Art Déco. The plastic effect of mass in Art Déco was accompanied by purism. The purpose of th is article is to explore the characteristics of the Art Déco style in modern Turkish architecture, tracing it back to the 1930s, the time when a culture of architecture first began to form in Turkey, as Art Déco, in combination with rationalism, proved to be an influential force in Republican Turkey. The effect of this style on the composition of structural masses shall be described through examples of public and residential buildings. At the same time, an attempt shall be made to explore the connotations of contemporaneity, progress, technology, and industry as expressed in the vocabulary of the Republican ideology that embraced the mass aesthetic of the formal style that was Art Déco.

Investigation of daylight performance in traditional residential buildings in the context of EN- 17037 standard - Sivas Hubiyar Korucu Mansion

Daylight is an integral part of our lives as the most important element in places. Efficient and appropriate use of daylight reduces the need for adequate illumination of the volumes and artificial lighting. Today, windows that are not designed correctly cause energy waste by increasing the use of artificial lighting instead of natural lighting. The seriousness of this situation is increasing today and regulations and standards regarding daylight use are published. The disappearance of this traditional Turkish architecture has also reduced the effective use of natural light. Study is focused on daylight penetration in traditional Turkish houses in the context of EN-17037 and a traditional Turkish house evaluated as case study. Natural lighting measurements of the selected building were calculated using the daylight simulation program, at 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00 for the months of March 21, June 21, September 21, and December 21 under average sky conditions. In line with the results obtained from the simulation program, the illumination levels (Lux), daylight factor (DF) and daylight performance classification (%) of the spaces are presented. As a result of the evaluation made in the context of EN 17037 standard, attention was drawn to the importance of openings as windows in traditional Turkish houses. And additionaly, architectural similarities and differences with the contemporary building is highlighted in results.

TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS AS DESTINATION ATTRACTIVE FEATURES: THE USE OF IZNIK AND KÜTAHYA TILES IN ARCHITECTURAL AND PORTABLE COLLECTIONS

Destination attractiveness elements play a very important role in the destination choice of tourists. Cultural values are also among the most important destination attractiveness elements. One of the most important cultural values is the handicrafts that societies put forward with collective contributions for many years. In this research, the art of tile, which has a significant place in Turkish architecture and continues today, has been evaluated as a destination attractiveness element. Consequencely, it has been seen that Iznik and Kütahya tiles are used in all of the historical buildings visited by tourists and play a role in reinforcing the cultural attractiveness in this respect.

Wooden Mosques (Candi/Canti Mosques) from Anatolia’s Black Sea Region

Wood has been used in Turkish architecture, not only in houses and warehouse structures but also intensively in the building of mosques. The mosques of the times were built in the wood masonry system and were especially abundant in regions of Anatolia that we're blessed with generous forests. The Black Sea Region particularly abounds with wooden mosques. Known as çantı mosques, these structures represent the region’s cultural wealth. The aim of this article is to describe the mosques built in the “wooden masonry system” (çantı), a group of buildings that together signify a special group of mosques in Anatolian architecture, referring to examples of these types of mosques located in the region of the Black Sea. The features of the plans, construction systems, materials, and ornamentation of these structures will be detailed in an effort to document the identity of this collective cultural legacy and as a contribution to the literature for posterity.

Root factors limiting BIM implementation in developing countries: sampling the Turkish AEC industry

PurposeDespite several advantages of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, BIM has not been adopted and implemented extensively in developing countries. Consequently BIM remains at a beginner level in developing countries. To increase the level of BIM implementation, first, knowing the root factors that resist BIM implementation is necessary to know. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the factors that limit BIM implementation in developing countries, specifically in the Turkish Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was designed with 46 influencing causes (ICs) identified through a systematic literature review. In total, 141 survey results were returned from architects and engineers, and reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted. Furthermore, a structural equation model (SEM) was developed to identify the root factors of BIM implementation.FindingsEight root factors affecting the prevalent use of BIM technology in the Turkish construction industry were determined and grouped into three categories based on BIM implementation level. Problems with the BIM transition process and a lack of management support are the most influential root factors limiting BIM implementation. Lack of incentives, lack of BIM education, bias regarding BIM technology and BIM-based software problems form the second group of root factors that have a significant effect. Awareness and lack of communication amongst stakeholders were identified as root factors that had a moderate effect.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the knowledge body by revealing eight root factors limiting BIM implementation in the Turkish AEC industry which can be generalised to most developing countries. Therefore, the outcomes of this study may be used as a practical reference for future research aimed at improving BIM adoption in developing countries through governmental, educational, and managerial solutions.Originality/valueSeveral studies have identified the challenges and barriers of BIM implementation in the construction industry using qualitative and quantitative analyses and projected the current state. Unlike previous studies, this study comprehensively and quantitatively determined the root factors that constrain the use of BIM in Turkey using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling to present a structural model.

Güncel Türkiye Mimarlığında Akdenizli Modernliğe Analitik Bir Bakış

Güncel Türkiye Mimarlığında Akdenizli Modernliğe Analitik Bir Bakış

PROCEDURAL 3D FOUNTAIN MODELING

Procedural modeling is a method that determines production rules and allows for developing effective structural design in architecture. Fountain (Shadirvan) is an important component of Turkish architecture and having a symmetrical structure and distinctive elements makes fountains suitable for procedural modeling. In this study, we propose a procedural method to design different fountain models similar to ones that exist in Turkish architecture. We specify the parameters by looking at the texture, shape, and quantity of observed fountain images for production rules. Based on the selection of parameters, different fountain models are generated in a procedural manner. We present several different models, determined parameters, and parameter values. We explain how we create shapes such as polygon and pyramid. We show samples of 3d fountain models that our model can produce. Also, we conducted an experiment to evaluate the proposed system in terms of its expressiveness and usability. In this experiment, we asked subjects to produce 3D fountain models similar to the ones in provided images by selecting parameters of the proposed model or by traditional 3D modeling tools.

A WOODEN-COLUMNED MOSQUE FROM ANATOLIA. BEYŞEHİR EŞREFOĞLU MOSQUE

Wooden-columned mosques constitute a major structural group in Turkish mosque architecture. Inspired by the abundance of forestation in the region in which they were built, the mosques that made use of wood boasted of rich architectural ornamentation. It is the aim of this study to offer a presentation of Beyşehir Eşrefoğlu Mosque, one of the wooden-columned mosques that were widely constructed in the Anatolian Selçuk Era, taking their place in Anatolian Turko-Islamic architecture. A product of the local master builders of its time, the structure was included in UNESCO’s List of Provisional World Heritage Sites. In this context, the paper will describe the characteristics and elements of the layout of the Beyşehir Eşrefoğlu Mosque, its structural system, roof structure, and the distinctive features of the materials and adornments used.

Divriği Darüşşifası Ana Eyvan Tonozunun Stereotomiyası

In this research, I have analyzed the way in which the main cover of the Divrigi Hospital was built by using stereotomy method. The Divrigi Complex represents the most ancient one known in Anatolia in the design of stone vault types.The insistence and variety of the structure of the groin vaults have brought to different solutions in their geometrical bases. Even in the past in the history of turkish architecture the stereotomy method was neglacted and the groin vaults were considered as an example of european architecture. One of the aims of my study was to analyze the vault of Divrigi, I have studied the geometrical structure of the vault assuming the possible constructive procedures that were adopted in the “taller de construcción Gótica Madrid” (Madrid Gothic building workshop). If this hypothesis is true, the working method for building groin vaults can be extendend to all the groin vaults of the Divrigi Complex, understanding the Seljukian masters’ methods.

Transfer of Technology and Formation of the Technical Language: The Case of Turkish Terminology of Architecture

Turks are a moving nation that traveled around different geographies until they came to Anatolia 1000 years ago. During this move they met different societies and adopted different customs and phrases from these societies. At the point when they began to construct new settlements; they welcomed planners and architects from the neighboring countries. In this way, various professional terminology is transferred into Turkish along with new building types and building techniques. Turkish language became a medium for them which can give clues about this history, since it is a living thing affected by the changing environments and encountering diverse factors. The aim of this study is to uncover these clues by using the etymological traces. Nevertheless, following the etymological traces of foreign terminology transferred from Persian, Arabic, or other languages in architecture from Turkish lexicons, would uncover the Asian, Middle Eastern, and European connections of Turkish architecture and construction sector.

Figurations of Zulfiqar in Anatolian Turkish Architecture

Figurations of Zulfiqar in Anatolian Turkish Architecture

TOURISM POTENTIAL OF SKOPJE CITY

Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is one of the important centers in the Balkans with its convenient location on the Vardar-Morava line, Thessaloniki-Belgrade highway and railway route. Skopje and its immediate surroundings is an area with high tourism potential with its natural, historical and cultural attractions. Skopje, which was under Turkish rule for 520 years, still carries Ottoman traces today and there are a large number of monuments from that time. Skopje attracts local and foreign tourists with the recreation area in Matka Canyon with its ancient settlement, Skupi ancient settlement, castle and churches, Ottoman-era stone bridge and the Old Town with mosques, inns, Turkish baths, mansions unique to Turkish architecture and shops of various artisans. Turkish citizens take the lead among the foreign tourists who visit Skopje where 9,000 of our compatriots reside. In the framework of this study, field studies were carried out in the city and its vicinity in order to promote Skopje's Ottoman heritage and other tourist attractions and to present the tourism potential of Skopje by providing print and visual documents from national and international sources.

Bursa Hanlarında Mescidler

Osmanlı Devleti’nin ilk başkenti ve bir ticaret merkezi olarak Bursa’nın en dikkat çekici mimari eserlerinden biri de hanlarıdır. Anadolu Türk mimarisindeki ilk şehir hanı olarak kabul edilen Emir Han’la başlayan imar faaliyetleri, zaman içinde Bursa’nın ticaret hayatının ihtiyaçlarına binaen daha da artmıştır. “Bursa Hanlar Bölgesi” olarak anılan bu bölgedeki hanlar, akademik olarak daha çok ticarî ve mimari yönleriyle bütünsel olarak ele alınmış, hanlardaki mescidler hakkında yeterli değerlendirme yapılmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Günümüzde hala mevcud olan Koza Han, Fidan Han ve Geyve Han’daki mescidlerden Koza Han ile Fidan Han’dakiler köşk mescid olarak tasarlanmışken, Geyve Han’daki ise hanın zemin katında bir oda biçimindedir. Ayrıca kaynaklarda Kapan Han, İpek Han, Pirinç Han ve Eski Yeni Han’ın da mescidleri olduğu bilgisi mevcuttur. Bursa Hanlarındaki mescidlerin, Selçuklu kervansaraylarında başlayan köşk mescid geleneğinin bir devamı olduğu söylenebilir ancak plan bakımından daha farklı oldukları anlaşılmaktadır. Bu makale, Bursa hanlarındaki mescidlerin Osmanlı Mimarisindeki yeri ve önemini ortaya koyma gayretindedir.