Conservation Challenges of Cultural Heritage: Ottoman Baths in Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula
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Copyright (c) 2026 Zeynep Tanrıverdi, Emine Selcen Cesur
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13138/2039-2362/4058Parole chiave:
cultural heritage, Architectural Heritage, Heritage Conservation, ConservationAbstract
Baths are multifaceted architectural structures that embody both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Originating in antiquity and refined through Roman techniques, they flourished under Islamic influence, reaching monumental proportions in Ottoman cities, especially under Chief Architect Sinan. This study examines the conservation challenges of Ottoman baths, focusing on their architectural, structural, and functional systems. Deterioration is caused by environmental, socio-cultural, and economic factors, as well as property disputes, inappropriate reuse, and urban transformation. Three Sinan-era baths—Valide Sultan Ayakapı (Cibali), Kapıağası Yakupağa, and Çemberlitaş—are analyzed as case studies representing different states: abandoned, reused, and still operational. Each case illustrates distinct conservation issues and informs strategies to preserve their architectural and cultural integrity.
I bagni sono strutture architettoniche complesse che incarnano un patrimonio culturale tangibile e intangibile. Nati nell’antichità e perfezionati con le tecniche romane, si svilupparono sotto l’influenza islamica, raggiungendo dimensioni monumentali nelle città ottomane, soprattutto sotto l’architetto capo Sinan. Questo studio analizza le sfide di conservazione dei bagni ottomani, con particolare attenzione agli aspetti architettonici, strutturali e funzionali. Il deterioramento è dovuto a fattori ambientali, socio-culturali ed economici, nonché a controversie sulla proprietà, riusi inadeguati e trasformazioni urbane. Tre bagni dell’epoca di Sinan – Valide Sultan Ayakapı (Cibali), Kapıağası Yakupağa e Çemberlitaş – sono esaminati come casi di studio che riflettono diversi stati funzionali: abbandonato, riutilizzato e ancora operativo. Ogni caso evidenzia problematiche specifiche e fornisce indicazioni per la salvaguardia dell’integrità architettonica e culturale dei bagni ottomani di Istanbul.
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