Structural Interventions for Conservation of the 15th Century Tahtakale Bath, Tire, Turkey

Abstract

Tahtakale Bath, which is located in the town of Tire in the province of Izmir, Turkey, was constructed in the 15th.century and is one of the outstanding existing examples of Ottoman period baths. The building, which was designed as a double bath, was considerably damaged because of inaccurate interventions after losing its original function, lack of maintenance and natural circumstances. The parts which were reused have considerably lost their original characteristics. This study aims to introduce the construction technique of Tahtakale Bath, which was studied in the scope of a restoration project, and to present the studies on the determination of structural problems, structural strengthening decisions and implementations. Strengthening implementations were carried out in the bathing spaces of the men's section and felt workshop of the building depending on decisions of the restoration project. The original construction technique and materials of the walls, superstructure and architectural details of the building were consolidated by appropriate restoration decisions and implementation works. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.