Evaluation of Architectural Heritage Characteristics of Bekirbeyler House in Kula, Manisa

Abstract

Bekirbeyler House is located in Cami-i Cedit district of Kula, Manisa. It stands out with its large scale, well preserved plan organization, authentic elements such as projections, cupboards, windows, platforms, and decoration program. The aim of the study is to assess the architectural heritage characteristics of Bekirbeyler House, considering the data collected from the house through site survey, and archive and historical research. It is important to understand the plan layout, spatial relations, architectural elements and construction technique of the house so that the characteristics that makes the house special among the other Kula houses and Ottoman houses in Anatolia can be made clear. For this reason; firstly, field survey and archive research were completed. The field survey consists of sketching, taking simple measurements such as width, length and height of spaces and some major elements, and photographing with pictorial and rectification aims. The archive survey includes research at Kula Municipality and Regional Conservation Board. The data gathered was classified under two main thematic headings: spatial and constructional. Formation of conventional measured drawings based on simple measurements, mapping, single image rectification and thematic table preparation were the techniques used. The characteristics of the houses in Kula Urban Site and Ottoman houses in Anatolia, as revealed in historical research, were compared with Bekirbeyler House. As a result of the study, the unique, rare and authentic features of Bekirbeyler House were documented and defined. The building is unique in terms of its large scale and it has sustained majority of its architectural characteristics. Today, because of abandonment and lack of funding for restoration, the building is in danger of being lost. This study will be a source of data for the restoration design of the building and will contribute to the conservation of the building’s specific heritage features.