Title

Author(s)

Esra Özkan Yazgan

Sermin Çakıcı Alp

Affiliation

Hacettepe University Faculty of Architecture

DOI

https://doi.org/10.65686/ALYO7462

Keywords

Ottoman Hamam, Cultural Sustainability, Cultural Values

PP

1020-1027

How to Cite

Özkan Yazgan, Esra, Sermin Çakıcı Alp. “Determining an adaptive reuse strategy for cultural sustainability A discussion on the Ottoman hamams in Turkey.” In Proceedings of the International Conference on Adaptive Reuse. Volume 1, edited by Andrea Crudeli, Francesca Molle, and Emanuele Carrai, 1020–1027. Firenze: STH Press, 2026.

Abstract

A significant number of policy texts and discussions in the literature focus on methods and approaches for interpreting and adaptively reusing architectural heritage. However, we should develop a reuse strategy tailored to each historical building to strike a balance between preserving the original cultural and architectural features and incorporating new uses. The subject of this article is the historical Ottoman hamam (baths) in Anatolia, whose original function has largely lost its validity today. Hamams were widespread structures designed as primary venues for cultural ceremonies and social gatherings, as well as for bathing purposes and various activities, such as eating, dancing, and listening to live music. This article examines two abandoned hamams in the city center of Aydın, located in the Aegean region of Turkey. The two historical Ottoman hamams, dating from the 16th and 18th centuries, located close to each other, are now in a state of disrepair and neglect. The architectural and cultural values of the hamams, with their unique technical details, require a holistic approach to reuse. Accordingly, this research presents a comprehensive examination of the factors influencing the adaptive reuse of hamams, drawing on contemporary understanding of cultural heritage. The study aims to develop a holistic model for adaptive reuse strategies that preserve the tangible and intangible heritage values of hamams, characterized by their unique architectural features. The article presents an adaptive reuse strategy designed for case studies categorized into three stages: contextual, spatial, and technical characteristics, as well as sociocultural patterns. The results contribute to creative and adaptive reuse scenarios that address the cultural sustainability values of hamams.

Edited by
Andrea Crudeli
Francesca Molle
Emanuele Carrai

Publisher
STH Press, Firenze

ISBN Paperback – 9791281661141
ISBN Ebook – 9791281661158
DOI – https://doi.org/10.65686/SISY7263

Year
2026

Proceedings of
International Conference on Adaptive Reuse
hosted by The University of Pisa, Italy
15-19 September 2025, at the Gispoteca di Arte Antica dell’Università di Pisa.