Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of the International Society for the Study of Vernacular Settlements, cilt.12, sa.6, ss.54-73, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)
Türkiye is a country rich with heritage. Among numerous cities with such heritage, Safranbolu, stands out. In such cities, new constructions are expected to be integrated into the historic texture of the older parts, with an approach to produce independent ‘new’ in harmony with the old. Often, new buildings come into being as a result of population growth, economic progress, and land prices. The modern fast build-and-sell system also adds to these pressures. Undeniably, the new buildings play a major role in invading the cities with modern construction materials and the destruction of the green areas leading monotony and sameness that did not exist in the past. In fact, Safranbolu suffers from these new developments. It has not received sufficient attention to the protection of the historical environments. Indeed, it is giving way to the construction of new buildings with different materials and systems, both on empty parcels, and demolishes the existing old buildings. In this context, this paper examines the Bağlar Region houses in Safranbolu.
It employs a case study approach looking into one of the streets: the Değirmenbaşı Street. Data is collected through on-site observations, photographic documentation, and archival research. The paper reveals the different façade characteristics of the old and the new houses of Değirmenbaşı Street and to what extend they either integrate with each other or not. Thus, it maps out the extent to which the character of the city has changed. It concludes that the constructions in the Bağlar district are not harmonious to each other except their building order, floor number, and maximum height. The re-constructed houses have led to the degeneration of the city. It argues that the historical environments should be conserved, adapting to the existing conditions and henceforth. This requires that planning authorities must recognize the importance of the past of the city for establishing its urban identity.
Keywords: Bağlar Region of Safranbolu, houses, façade characteristics, Turkey.