Evaluation of Conservation Problems for Restoration of Great Karaosmanoğlu Khan, İzmir, Turkey

Abstract

Ottoman khans, built in the cities, are cultural assets that need to be preserved as they reflect the social, cultural and economic condition of the cities of the time when they were built. Great Karaosmanoğlu Khan, which is located in Kemeraltı, the historical market district of İzmir, Turkey, is one of the surviving khans that has considerably preserved its original architectural characteristics. The khan dates back to the beginning of the 19th century and is still used for commercial purposes. However, it has been subjected to partial demolishment and a series of inappropriate interventions. These inappropriate interventions and neglected condition also brought some material problems to the building. The aim of this study is to evaluate all these problems and present restoration decisions for conservation of the building. The restoration proposal aims to preserve the remaining original characteristics, to reveal the lost values within the scope of contemporary conservation theory as well as to find a compatible use for the building.