مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Preserving Cultural Heritage Values in Urban Transformation: Sample of Erzurum

Abstract :

Today the urban renewal which can be defined as the process enabling the amendment and renewal of urban fabrics -which have worn off in time- as per the day’s social and economical conditions is being applied in many cities of Turkey. But in the process of urban renewal there exist structures that reflect the historical fabric of the city as well as the settlements that remain within urban areas, that are worn off, lost its durability against earthquake and that can not efficiently receive infrastructure services due to characteristics of shanty.When it urban transformation is quoted, it shall not be perceived as completely removing such structures which have fell behind the time and bringing in a monotonous structure form, or the urban transformation operations shall not be implemented in this manner. Rather the factors of these structures that are peculiar to city, that have stand out among others and that reflect the identity of the city shall be revised and shall be redounded to the city by the modern construction techniques of the era. In fact it is being observed that the lodgings constructed in the renewal projects being implemented under the name of urban transformation do not conform to the identity of relevant city. Yet the same construction form attracts attention in many cities. And this condition causes each area on which urban transformation has been applied to look alike and gives a monotonous appearance to the cities.Each city has specific architecture and factors that reflect its history and identity.Besides the artifacts of different periods within the city of Erzurum -which has a 5000 years of settlement history-, Erzurum Houses which have a history of 400 years are a significant wealth. Reflecting some factors of Erzurum Houses in the external views of cluster housing -constructed within the urban transformation projects in subject- by modern construction materials will ensure to eternize the cultural heritages and identity of the city.As in the Beypazarı county of Ankara, similar practices is being applied at different locations in Turkey and successful results have been obtained. Besides these, revision of Erzurum Castle -which is the first settlement area of the city- and of narrow streets in its proximity where lodgings are available and presenting them for the city’s tourism within the scope of urban transformation will become another cultural wealth. And also addition of some factors -intended for today’s requirements- during this revision will be very good.In study, urban transformation areas of Erzurum city, their relation with cultural values, some problems and solution suggestions will be emphasized.