Habitat International 36 (2012) 493e503

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Habitat International
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Sustainable development in historic areas: Adaptive re-use challenges in

traditional houses in Sanliurfa, Turkey
Mücahit Yıldırım*, Gizem Turan
Dicle University, Architecture Faculty, Architecture Department, Diyarbakir, Turkey

a b s t r a c t
Keywords: The adaptive re-use of buildings is an approach for developing historical areas, and it extends the life of
Adaptive re-use historical patterns. However, adaptive re-use is applied to development projects in different ways
Conservation of historic areas
including compatible re-use and most appropriate re-use, both of which contribute to the sustainability
Sustainable development
Traditional Sanliurfa houses
of historic areas. The present study discusses the challenges associated with the compatible re-use and
most appropriate re-use approaches for commercial and community development. In the case of
commercial development, re-use is generally initiated by private entrepreneurship and is typically a new
activity intended to generate income to sufficiently cover restoration and maintenance costs. Examples
include the re-using as restaurants and hotels. Community re-use, which is mostly initiated by
governmental involvement or development trusts, does not generate sufficient income to cover resto-
ration and maintenance costs, but it does provide social benefits to the community. The present study
demonstrates that design criteria can emphasise the significance of cultural heritage through adaptive-
reuse. The research methodology used is tested through six selected case studies analysing sustainable
development activities involving the traditional houses of Sanliurfa in Turkey. The aim of analysing the
changes and their effects on the traditional houses of Sanliurfa and their historical environment is to
highlight the challenges and approaches to re-use in terms of development involving historical patterns
and conservation areas to provide guidelines for future projects.
Ó 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Introduction The organisation of an urban area is greatly influenced by the

culture to which it belongs. It reflects religious beliefs, family
Historical areas can undergo rapid changes in terms of scientific, structure, everyday activities and social relationships. Houses
aesthetic and architectural values. While many traditions and possess certain authentic and interesting inherited values; they
values have been lost, much has also been invented and revived shape our cities and towns, affecting our whole environment.
(Clifford, 1988). This cultural process influences housing settle- Traditional houses in the historic city of Sanliurfa, which were
ments and their environments. The cultural environment is designed for suitability to the local climate, construction materials
composed of a variety of elements, each affecting the evolution of and socio-cultural structures, have mostly been abandoned by their
culture. These components include religion, belief systems, ecology, owners in favour of contemporary structures. Changes in the socio-
economy and social aspects such as family structures, gender roles, cultural life have caused owners to leave these houses. These
kinship and cultural interactions. Traditional architecture is dwellings were designed for patriarchal families and to foster
a manifestation and physical representation of the culture of closer neighbourhood relationships. To combat the functional
a people, and it includes dwellings and all other buildings. All forms obsolescence brought about by these vacancies, new uses are being
of traditional architecture are built to meet specific needs, accom- found for some of these traditional Sanliurfa houses. These houses
modating values and economies (Lim, 2007). Conserving the are often poorly managed or occupied by lower-income groups,
character of suburbs and districts is the only way to conserve a condition that leads to building deterioration and under-priced
cultural heritage in its context. Heritage conservation, in turn, properties. The increasing pressure of recycling costs and
contributes to ecologically sustainable development (Pearson & a growing interest in the sustainability has brought adaptive re-use
Sullivan, 1999). to the forefront (Bullen & Love, 2010). Conservation of historical
sites, involves two different approaches to adaptive re-use of
* Corresponding author. Tel.: þ90 0412 2488403; fax: þ90 0412 2488405. historical patterns: compatible re-use and most appropriate re-use
E-mail address: [email protected] (M. Yıldırım). (Pearson & Sullivan, 1999).

0197-3975/$ e see front matter Ó 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.habitatint.2012.05.005
494 M. Yıldırım, G. Turan / Habitat International 36 (2012) 493e503

The aim of the present study is to contribute to optimising the (Arabacıog lu & Aydemir, 2007). The lack of ability of urban space to
re-use of buildings in terms of compatible re-use and most meet daily needs, economic factors and environmental factors in
appropriate re-use, which contribute to the sustainable develop- particular, make re-use projects essential (Çevik, Vural, Tavşan, &
ment of historic areas. Efforts have been made to analyse these Aşık, 2008). Old buildings are potential resources that provide
types of re-use for traditional houses, which promote the sustain- cheap and appropriate structures. For this reason, buildings have
ability of the built environment. been altered, enlarged and adapted for new uses throughout
This paper proposes a methodology for the identification of the history (Cunnington, 1988). Buildings have been adapted to all sorts
challenges of the adaptive re-use approaches in addressing of uses because the structures tend to outlive their function
historical patterns. The proposed methodology is assessed in four (Cantacuzino, 1989). Deterioration can be halted through appro-
steps that evaluate: (1) the location of the buildings, (2) the priate re-use (Eley & Worthington, 1984). Adaptive re-use helps to
condition of the historical patterns, (3) re-use alternatives and extend the life of historical structures by adapting their functions in
constraints and (4) the challenges of types of re-use. The challenges response to contemporary needs (Pimonsathean, 2002).
were then compared and findings discussed using detailed exam- A conservation plan must be accompanied by a management
ples of re-use. plan. The management plan determines what is required at a site
The methodology was applied to the case of traditional Sanliurfa by focussing on the significance of the location and considering
houses in Turkey. Six re-used traditional houses were investigated how the site should be developed (Worthing & Bond, 2007). The
in terms of their new functions. The houses were selected from the Burra Charter of ICOMOS, Australia (1999), suggested that if
historical district near the city centre, which includes the city’s a place is to have a new use, it should be a compatible use. Any use
castle and legendary lakes. The adaptive types of re-use applied to that can fulfil its function without damaging the historical fabric of
these houses were evaluated through the development initiatives a site may be compatible (Worthing & Bond, 2007). However, the
of private entrepreneurs, development trusts and governmental debate on compatible re-use and most appropriate re-use is
involvement. ongoing. Compatible re-use is re-use that will not damage a place
or its cultural significance, whereas a most appropriate use will be
Literature review on adaptive re-use not only compatible but will also reinforce and maximise the
understanding of the cultural significance of a historical place
This literature review presents solutions to problems related to (Pearson & Sullivan, 1999). The most appropriate use would better
the approaches to the re-use of historical patterns. The goal of this promote the understanding of the work practices of vernacular
review is to help decision makers implement management plans housing. Moreover, most appropriate re-use revives or allows for
for maintaining historical structures. the continuation of traditional use. In some cases a manager will
The most important aspect of the preservation movement is the be unable to implement most appropriate use because the
recycling of old buildings by adapting them to uses different from proposed use may not be economically viable. This dilemma has
those for which they were originally intended. Creative adaptation been faced by managers in a diversity of places (Pearson &
contributes to pride in our heritage, creating a link to the past and Sullivan, 1999).
an opportunity for architectural innovation and problem solving The Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World
(Diamonstein, 1978). Buildings lose their function due to obsoles- Heritage Convention (Intergovernmental Committee for the
cence or changes in the housing demand. Langston proposed Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, UNESCO,
physical, economical, functional, technological, social and legal 2008) suggested that world heritage properties may support
obsolescence criteria to understand this problem (Langston, Wong, proposed uses that are culturally sustainable. By definition
Hui, & Shen, 2008). New requirements imposed by social and sustainability is “to meet the needs of present without compro-
economical change, necessitate the re-use of historical structures mising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”

Fig. 1. Sanliurfa in Southeast of Turkey on traditional pilgrimage routes.

 M. Yıldırım, G. Turan / Habitat International 36 (2012) 493e503 495

(WCED, 1987). In conservation practice, sustainability is the buildings must be maintained while achieving the functional needs
continuous utilisation of the built heritage in a more rational way, of re-use (Sharon, 2008).
adapting present needs and lengthening the life of the asset
(Norma & Cervantes, 2007). Sustainable reuse proposals passes the The development process
value of the historical buildings to the subsequent generations; Old buildings are potential resources that, if rehabilitated, can
upgrade the local culture and economic level (Wang & Zeng, 2010). provide inexpensive and appropriate premises for commercial
The World Heritage Convention concerning the protection of the and community purposes (Eley & Worthington, 1984). Attractive,
World Cultural and Natural Heritage (UNESCO, 1972) urged well-located buildings are acquired by developers and renovated
governments to adopt a policy that aims to provide a role for for commercial purposes such as hotels and, restaurants and for
cultural and natural heritage in the lives of communities. The community purposes such as cultural centres and other similar
desired outcome of sustainability is the management of resources buildings. Redundant buildings can involve a variety of different
in a way that fulfils economic, social and aesthetic needs and types of developers including: private developers, local authori-
maintenance of cultural integrity (Pedersen, 2002). Heritage and ties, voluntary groups, development trusts and the central
culture are the most important components of leisure activities government.
(Bedate, Herrero, & Sanz, 2004). Cultural heritage can also be an Many of the initiatives for re-using old buildings come from the
asset to local tourism industries. Greater cultural awareness, private sector (Eley & Worthington, 1984). However, private entre-
increased economic levels, increased amount of free time and preneurs may be insensitive to the integrity and authenticity of
improvement of transportation increase in the consumption of historical buildings (Murtagh, 1996). Local authorities can enhance
cultural goods. There is a growing demand for places of enter- the opportunities for converting redundant buildings into small
tainment, leisure and tourism related to locations such as restau- units by providing short leases. In some cases, local authorities have
rants and hotels, where the traditions of the historical city can be taken on the role of the developer. Local authorities can act as
discovered. According to Tiesdell (1996), new uses should be catalysts for the re-use of existing buildings and reduce the costs
related to three groups of activities: cultural tourism, lodging and associated with bureaucratic organisations (Eley & Worthington,
commerce. However, traditional-house tourism can divert the 1984). Local authorities play a particularly important role with
historical area from its original use (Wang, 1997). regard to old buildings and can initiate the development of buildings
In this discussion, the significance of heritage gains importance. not unattractive to private enterprise.
The restoration architect assumes a curatorial responsibility for Development trusts are companies with charitable status and
structures of historical significance. The attributes of significance are particularly appropriate for developing buildings of historical,
include design, materials, workmanship and setting. These attri- environmental, and architectural interest (Eley & Worthington,
butes have been recently expanded to include use, function, 1984). Volunteer groups also have initiatives for the development
traditions, techniques and spirit (Jerome, 2008). of historical sites and can use funding from private sources, local
Traditional houses are the most important artefacts of a society’s authorities or central governments.
historical life (Ipekoglu, 2006). Housing and its environment
physically change in accordance with surrounding cultural Research methodology
processes. Cultural change affects settlements, housing patterns
and their subsystems (Hacihasanoglu & Hacihasanoglu, 2006). The selection of adaptively re-used houses
Migration, urbanisation, tourism and contemporary life-styles alter Six adaptively re-used traditional houses were selected based on
traditional houses. The socio-cultural variations that affect a society their new functions. The houses were selected from the historical
also prompt changes in the construction of culture (Kulog lu, 2000). district near the city centre, which includes the city’s castle and the
When the owners and users of traditional houses began to move legendary lakes. The types of adaptive re-use include lodging,
out, newcomers settled in the buildings. These changes trans- restaurants, and culture centres, which are occupied by private
formed the use of space and behaviours that occurred in these owners, academic institutions and development trusts.
houses. Building a house is a cultural phenomenon; thus, the form
and organisation of a house are greatly influenced by the culture to Identifying the challenges of adaptive-re-use
which it belongs (Rapoport, 1969). It is therefore important to The decision-making-process regarding the re-use of historical
preserve the local context of a building including its social, physical, structures depends on physical, socio-economic and environmental
and physiological parameters (Kulog lu, 2000). Environmental and factors. This paper presents an experimental application of the
economic factors efficiently establish the priorities for these types proposed concepts through illustrative examples; a full discussion
of adaptive re-use (Murtagh, 1996). The essence of historical of the case studies will be the subject of future works. This paper

Fig. 2. The legendary pool of sacred fish and the surrounding environment.
496 M. Yıldırım, G. Turan / Habitat International 36 (2012) 493e503

Fig. 3. Under passages in the city created to avoid the summer heat.

determines the consistency of the criteria based on a sound appropriate re-use approaches. This study examined the historical
comprehension of the challenges involved with re-use. An analyt- and design values of traditional houses and functional changes in
ical method was employed to gain an understanding of the chal- a historical city centre with projects initiated by individuals,
lenges and opportunities of compatible re-use projects and most governmental and development trusts.

Fig. 4. Functional analyses of the environment.

 M. Yıldırım, G. Turan / Habitat International 36 (2012) 493e503 497

An analytical survey was conducted by the authors to analyse This district is visited for its holy places and is believed to be the
the environmental factors, take measured drawings of the struc- birthplace of Prophet Abraham in 1263 B.C. and also where he was
tures and collect data regarding re-use opportunities and chal- thrown into a fire. The lakes of Halil-ür Rahman and Ayn Zeliha are in
lenges. Analyses of the challenges facing the re-use of historical the southwest of the historical city and are known as “the legendary
assets, started with the locations of historical patterns were pools of sacred fish” because of their mythical ability to turn fire into
assessed. The types of settlement, approach roads, pedestrian and water and firewood into fish. As the home of the Prophet Abraham,
vehicular accessibility, and environmental factors were surveyed. the Prophet Ayub (Job), the Prophet Shuayb and the Prophet Elyasa,
Functional analyses provide suggestions for new uses. Second, the Sanlıurfa is known as the Prophets’ City is considered to be holy by
conditions of the historical patterns were evaluated. An architec- adherents of all three major faiths. Social factors, climate and stone
tural survey of the investigated houses assessed traditional struc- construction material played a key role in shaping the design criteria
tural materials and techniques, historical data and the building of traditional houses (Fig. 3.). This stone construction style was
characteristics to determine the problems and possibilities of the developed to suit the Islamic life-style, the construction style of
houses. The original use of the spaces in the house, the plan northern Mesopotamia and a climate where temperatures reach
schemes and the architectural details were evaluated. The physical 40e45  C in the summer (Aras & Yıldırım, 2003). Houses were
state of the structures was detailed in measured drawings. Third, planned with semi-open spaces and organised to maximise the
re-use alternatives and constraints were discussed. These must be benefits of seasonal changes (Baran, 1999, p.197).
proposed by experts with knowledge of the re-use of historical The traditional houses of Sanliurfa were also designed to suit the
buildings including architects, architectural historians, govern- inhabitants’ social lives, privacy and family structures and are oriented
mental workers, owners and contractors. The new building pro- around a courtyard with a high wall (Şahinalp, 2005). The houses have
gramme and its requirements for new uses were identified. These one or two storeys with rooms and recesses (eyvan) overlooking the
requirements should define the objectives and expectations of the courtyard. The spatial planning of the houses indicates incorporation
types of re-use. Finally, adaptive re-use challenges and develop- of interior planning, confident adaptation to climatic conditions and
ment types were assessed through development initiatives. The the patriarchal family structure. These houses, which developed over
correlation between these concepts was discussed in the findings of time, reflect the society’s culture, beliefs and requirements of daily life.
the survey. Family structure, life-styles, customs, traditions, and religion all play
an important role in the spatial organisation of the houses (Özdemir &
Gencosmanog lu, 2007).
Study area: Sanliurfa and its traditional houses
Limestone is the construction material of the traditional San-
liurfa houses (Akkoyunlu, 1989). This soft stone toughens after its
Description of the area
removal from the mines allowing it to be used for the construction
Sanliurfa is considered a holy city by three monotheistic reli-
and decoration of the traditional houses. This stone provides
gions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) and attracts many visitors
a comfortable interior temperature during the hot summer season.
from within Turkey and abroad (Akkoyunlu, 1989). Visitors come to
see the holy places and historical monuments and to experience the
culture. The city is one of the oldest centres of civilisation due to its Data used for the analysis
fertile soil and its location on major trade and pilgrimage routes
(Fig. 1). The location of the historical pattern
Sanliurfa is located at a transition point between Anatolia and The historical environment of Sanliurfa demonstrates the
the Arabian countries and along a traditional pilgrimage route of problem of cohesion between adaptive re-use and an old city
both Christians and Muslims. The people of the city adhere to the environment. With the exception of the religious monuments, most
traditions and religious beliefs of the surrounding cultures. The of the historical structures are in a chaotic and dilapidated state.
historical centre includes the city’s castle, Hali-ür Rahman (The The selected houses are located in the historical area near the castle
legendary pool of sacred fish) and the Ayn Zeliha Lakes (Fig. 2). and legendary lakes.

Table 1
Assessing the values of traditional Sanliurfa houses.

Values for the traditional Sanliurfa houses

Sources Artistic value Historical value Social value Scientific value

Form and design A specific design related to The last examples of their The structures illustrates The forms of the houses reflect
architectural details and types, the historical evidence the privacy of the family the typology of the eighteenth
beauty in appearance and neighbourhood design century
Materials Original materials are in good The materials used were They illustrate the The materials are evidence of
condition but there are some produced in Sanliurfa and are construction process lost technology
alterations still available of vernacular houses
Use and function Settlements related to wealth The houses show the evolution Illustrate urban development Provide scientific evidence of the
of the owner of the construction techniques and relationships in society forms developed throughout history
Tradition, techniques Demonstration of the The works reflect the traditional The craftsmanship and Illustrate ancient techniques
and workmanship skills of the eighteenth practices techniques illustrates the and craftsmanship
century and, construction process
craftsmanship quality
Location and settings The houses are in the The site has been developed The houses are adjacent to The location reflects the development
historical site of the holy through the centuries since the each other, sometimes with of historic or prehistoric research
city; site access; times of Prophet Abraham an arc to join the upper
spatial proportions rooms above the street
Spirit and feeling The beauty of the houses They show the approach of a The houses are meeting
pleases the visitors residential structure within areas for musical activities
a historical site
498 M. Yıldırım, G. Turan / Habitat International 36 (2012) 493e503

Table 2
Investigated traditional houses that have been adaptively re-used in Sanliurfa.

Re-used traditional houses Re-use and development type Brief description

1-Cardakli Kiosk
Re-used as a restaurant by a The house in the north of
private entrepreneur Halil-ür Rahman Mosque and
Lake was bought by Surkav from
Mehmet Yusufoglu and restored in
1997e1999. This house is adaptively
re-used as a restaurant serving local meals.
The structure is multi-storey and has
rooms in each storey called cardaks.

2-Cevahir Guest House

Re-used as lodging by The house is located on Governor Fuat Street
governmental involvement near Halil-ür Rahman Lake in front of Selahhattin
Eyyubi Mosque. The house was purchased by the
government in 1991 and restored. On 24 May, 1993
it was re-used as governmental guest house. Today,
it is used as lodging open to public. The selamlık features
reception, management, and dining rooms and the first
floor features lodging and service rooms.

3-Surkav Culture Center

Re-used as cultural centre by a The house was purchased in 1993 by Surkav a
development trust development trust, connected to the house of
Mehmet Bag mancı and Fuat Billurcu and restored.
It has been re-used as a cultural centre. In the
education area, on the ground floor of the conference
hall, a depot and, management, and the classrooms,
a library and two rooms were oriented. In the first
floor classrooms, library and two orient rooms.

4-Harran University Cultural Centre

Re-used as cultural centre by The house of Akcarlar was purchased by Harran
government involvement University and restored. The building has been
re-used as a cultural centre. The neighbourhood
house of Tenekeciler was purchased, restored,
and connected to the house. Due to the
surrounding topography, the house was designed
in five different elevations. The roof of the sections
is the roof of the upper floor.

5-Gulizar Guest House re-used as restaurant

The house dates back to the nineteenth
Re-used as lodging by
century and was belonged to the Kılıclar Family.
a private entrepreneur
It was purchased by Ali Beyazkus in 1999 and restored.
It is re-used as lodging. The building is located near the
trading centre, whereas the other structures are near
Halil-ür Rahman Lake. On the ground floor are
management room, kitchen, wc, and two large
dining rooms. Open dining rooms are oriented
in the recesses and terraces.

Re-used as lodging by 6-Pınarbasi Mansion re-used as a restaurant

a private entrepreneur Pinarbasi Mansion (Kürkcüzade Halil Efendi House) was
constructed in 1902 according to the inscription on the structure.
The house was constructed from hewn stones and in 1980.
The Selamlık section was destroyed due to the widening
of the road. The house was purchased by a private developer
and restored. It is re-used as lodging.
 M. Yıldırım, G. Turan / Habitat International 36 (2012) 493e503 499

Table 3 N
The conversion of spaces according to functions.

Space source Conversion into Conversion into a MANAGEMENT RECEPTION DINING

restaurant and loading cultural centre
Courtyard Resting area and open dining Resting area, atelier
Rooms Management, dining and loading Management, staff and DINING MANAGEMENT
exhibition hall
Recess Resting area, semi-open Resting area
dining area
Kitchen Large kitchen Kitchen
Camel stable Dining space Exhibition hall ORIENTAL
Terrace Open restaurant Resting area Wc COURTYARD ROOM

ORIENTAL
In 1992, the government conducted a project in Sanliurfa called, ROOM
“Conservation and Revitalisation of Sanliurfa Historical City Centre”
through an interdisciplinary study (Karaaslan, 1998). This project
was implemented by Surkav (Development Trust of Sanliurfa
Culture, Art, Research and Education) and included the conservation DINING KITCHEN
of historical mosques, khans, madrasah, the castle, the legendary
lakes and the traditional houses. Contrary structures were removed
and a city plateau was planned for new structures like hotels, GROUND FLOOR PLAN
shopping centres, restaurants and cafeterias for leisure tourism. The
streets of the historical site were in narrowed for climate control Fig. 6. The plans of Cevahir Guest House after re-use.
during the hot summer season. The motorway was redesigned as
a subway, and parking sites were installed. These changes were
implemented because available services and transportation directly These houses were abandoned mostly because of the difficulties
affect the viability of new uses (Yung & Chan, 2012). Certain histor- with maintaining the houses as well as the overall lack of comfort
ical structures were conserved through the project, and those with for residents. Today, the houses are mostly occupied by the poor or
traditional houses at the site were encouraged to re-purpose their by migrants from rural areas. Some of the houses are either
houses for leisure tourism. Four of the six selected houses are located demolished or in ruins; others have become slum houses or have
within this historical area, and the two are located outside of it; the been damaged by their new inhabitants. The traditional Sanliurfa
latter settlements are predominantly used for housing (Fig. 4). houses have also diverged from their original function because of
the difficult economic conditions of their surrounding environ-
The condition of the historical patterns ment. In turn, these changes alter both tradition and culture, and
In Sanliurfa, the migration from the countryside to the town has affect the attitudes of individuals and the society as a whole. Some
provoked a new interaction between cultures that has altered of the traditional houses in the historical area have been restored
family structure, life-style and confidence. The myriad changes and are now used for commerce or community purposes by private
associated with contemporary life mean that the traditional houses owners, development trusts and the government.
no longer meet people’s daily needs and have thus, they have been
mostly abandoned. Protecting the values of the surrounding Re-use alternatives and constraints
cultural heritage justifies the purpose of conservation. These values The first test of any design approach in preservation is deter-
can shed light on the cultural significance of the houses. The mining whether the spatial requirements of the proposed project
surrounding cultural heritage embodies and represents a range of fit the confines of the existing building (Shopsin, 1986). If a range of
values for value-led management (Worthing & Bond, 2007). Studies compatible uses exists, the ways in which these uses will actively
looking at the conservation of monuments are based on the eval- contribute to an understanding of the place’s heritage value must
uation of heritage values (Balen, 2008). Material values such as: be assessed. The management policy should determine whether
form, setting, techniques, and non material values such as: func- a particular use is compatible (Pearson & Sullivan, 1999). The
tion, use, tradition, and spirit are used to transmit the heritage investigation of the re-use of the traditional houses of Sanliurfa
values to future generations (Stovel, 2008). The heritage values of revealed that the traditional functions of the houses were adapted
the houses in Sanliurfa were assessed based on artistic, historic, to commercial and community purposes. For commercial purposes,
social and scientific factors (Table 1). the houses have been re-used as restaurants and lodging, for
The traditional Sanliurfa houses were planned for historical community purposes, they have been re-used as a cultural centre
circumstances and do not meet the needs of contemporary life. (Table 2).

Fig. 5. Cevahir Guest House.

500 M. Yıldırım, G. Turan / Habitat International 36 (2012) 493e503

Building designers adapted the houses to fit the requirements of

their new uses by expanding or removing windows; removing or
adding walls, or adding a new storey or other additions to the
existing structure. In the transformation for re-use, some spaces
lost their original function. Kitchens, dining areas and rooms for
sleeping were integrated into the buildings converted into restau-
rants or lodging. Exhibition halls, ateliers, and staff areas were
established in the buildings converted into cultural centres
(Table 3).

Challenges and development types

The implementation of adaptive re-use has been approached in
two ways: compatible re-use and most appropriate re-use. In many
cases compatible re-use is financially viable but does not make any
significant contribution to a structure’s heritage. There are challenges
and opportunities associated with each of the two re-use schemes.
Fig. 8. The kitchen of Cevahir Guest House.
Private initiatives, development trusts and government
involvement play key roles in the development of historical sites.
According to Pimonsathean, re-use initiated by a private entre-
preneur for conversion into restaurants, hotels and lodging gener- The evaluation of compatible re-use
ates sufficient income to cover restoration and maintenance costs, A location’s visitor catchment area, trends in visitor numbers,
Although it provides social benefits to the community, community visitors’ needs and the potential tourist market are important
re-use does not generate sufficient income to cover restoration and considerations in the preparation of a management policy (Pearson
maintenance costs. This type of re-use, such as the development of & Sullivan, 1999). Some of the traditional houses of Sanliurfa were
cultural centres, is most often initiated by the government. For this chosen to serve as restaurants and lodgings. In the adaptive re-use
type of project, the government re-uses the historic area to address of a traditional structure for lodging, spaces for management,
the problems of an historical city with new infrastructure and dining, cooking, sleeping, bathing and washing facilities are all
public services. Governmental participation is recognised as an needed. To meet these requirements, additional spaces must be
important factor in achieving sustainable development (Yung & established within the traditional structure. The private bathrooms
Chan, 2012). The intent of the government at a historical site is to for the bedrooms required alterations to the infrastructure that
orient the spaces according to the area’s social needs while the caused unavoidable damage to the vaulted ceilings and walls. Wide
intent of the individual entrepreneur is to re-use the spaces for spaces were necessary in the service areas for dining rooms,
commerceeleisure activities. laundry rooms and kitchens. The kitchens of the traditional house
were designed to serve a limited household, but a hotel restaurant
Findings of the survey must serve a large number of people both day and night. The
existing dimensions of traditional kitchens were not suited to
Through adaptive re-use projects, a significant amount of data cooking on this scale.
about the development of historical areas in terms of adaptive re- The Cevahir Guest House was purchased by the government,
use challenges and constraints were collected. and restored in 1991. It was converted into a guesthouse by
adding bathrooms to the six rooms on the upper floor. Today, it is
open to community use. The niches in the rooms were converted
to cabinets. To solve the problem of space, the owners bought
BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM and demolished two additional houses to the northeast of the
house (Fig. 5) Planners arranged wide rooms, a kitchen, and
bathrooms to accommodate the expected number of tourists for
SERVICE the musical entertainment characteristic of Sanliurfa (sıra gecesi).

BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM

COURTYARD

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

01 2 4 10

Fig. 7. The plans of Cevahir Guest House after re-use. Fig. 9. The cellar converted to tea kitchen.
 M. Yıldırım, G. Turan / Habitat International 36 (2012) 493e503 501

Fig. 10. Mehmet Bagmanci and Fuat Billucu Houses (Surkav Cultural Centre).

The additions were constructed with reinforced concrete, The evaluation of most appropriate re-use
glassed-in separations, and sometimes with brick or stone walls Managers imagine re-use as the most appropriate use for a place
(Kürkçüog lu, 1997). that will be economically sustainable and possible to manage
Certain semi-open spaces, such as the recesses and kitchen effectively (Pearson & Sullivan, 1999). However, the most appro-
elevations, were converted to closed spaces. Technological infra- priate re-use must maximise the cultural significance of the
structure such as air conditioners and electric lights were installed historical pattern.
however, due to the lack of ventilation, moisture was observed on In the adaptive re-use of a traditional structure such as a cultural
the walls. The woodwork of the house, such as doors and windows, centre, spaces for management, handicraft courses, meeting rooms
were also renovated (Turan, 2009). The arcade in the selamlık (the and exhibition halls are needed. Government intervention is
section of the house for male visitors) was enclosed by stained essential in this type of community purpose re-use to ensure the
glass. Contemporary kitchen furnishings, such as wide counters, attractiveness of a historical site. The Sanliurfa City Culture,
kitchen cabinets and refrigerators were added to the kitchen, and Education, Art and Research Development Trust: Surkav Cultural
fireplaces and chimneys were removed (Figs. 6 and 7). Due to Centre, was purchased by the government for re-use as a cultural
excessive use, some deterioration of the stones on the walls of the centre in 1993 (Fig. 10). The Surkav Cultural Centre is re-used for
kitchens was noted (Figs. 8 and 9). traditional handicraft education and exhibition. Painting and
Some of the results obtained of the design criteria of compatible mosaic courses are held in the traditional house; the trainees take
re-use in the Cevahir Guest House are listed below: lessons from the centre’s tutors for a season and display their
artefacts in the exhibition halls (Figs. 11 and 12).
 The requirements of new use have a detrimental effect on At the Surkav Cultural Centre, elevations were altered because of
historical significance. the combination of the two houses. The semi-open spaces such as
 The architectural and historical integrity of the house is jeop- recesses were closed for the purposes of the new use. The additions
ardised by changes in materials, staircases, openings and other and separations constructed with new materials in the houses
elements. placed new burdens on the old structure. The wood frame roofs
 The requirement of additional wet spaces, such as toilets and were likewise reconstructed as reinforced concrete floors covered
bathrooms creates more moisture in the house. with either zinc sheets or manufactured tiles.
 With the number of people that must be accommodated, the Some of the results obtained through the design criteria of most
traditional house takes on extra burdens related to the re-use appropriate re-use are listed below:
of the architectural system.
 The ovens in the kitchens that produce restaurant food cause  The developers pay careful attention to the needs and desires of
over-heating in the structure. the community.
 New heating and cooling systems, such as air conditioners,  The significance of the houses is enhanced and protected, while
cause pollution in the elevations. is vulnerability mitigated.
 Vehicular access is a problem in an intensive-use situation.  A long-term management is provided.

Fig. 11. Re-use as the Surkav Cultural Center.

502 M. Yıldırım, G. Turan / Habitat International 36 (2012) 493e503

Fig. 12. Plans of the Surkav Cultural Centre.

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