Abstract:

This article is focused on the restoration and conservation methodologies of traditional Ottoman timber civil architecture through an example being carried out in ‘Süleymaniye’, one of the world heritage sites in Istanbul. The case study includes the entire work on both scientific and architectural fields of conservation such as research, documentation, material analyses, implementation methodologies and proposals in terms of national and global criteria for the conservation of cultural heritage. Architectural project, laboratory work, conservation science and timber training workshop are involved in the study, so collaboration among various disciplines is tried to be provided. Main principles of the case study can be shortly defined as ‘authenticity’ and ‘sustainability’. These refer to ‘protecting the survived original building elements and details in situ’ and ‘developing and practising the methods for extending their lifespan with an interdisciplinary work’ synchronously. Restoration is just one of the periods of the whole conservation process, whereas post-implementation steps like re-use and further maintenance provide the real and long-term conservation of the historical, social and intangible values of the property. Therefore ‘unity’ among the whole approaches also occurs as another principle in the long term.Previous articles in the first, fourth and tenth volumes of this journal had included the whole architectural documentation work, pre-implementation studies, dismantling inventory, removal of the improper additions, reconstruction of the fire wall and restoration of the wooden frame system. This article explains the continuing implementation period of the historical timber house. Restoration methods and conservation treatments used for the wooden building elements, dismantling and reconstruction of the additional II.Period timber construction, repair of the roof system and façade implementations. It will be continued to share the relevant experiences about the study in further volumes.

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