Başak İpekoğlu

Investigation of the Pozzolanic Properties of Bricks Used in Horasan Mortars and Plasters in Historic Buildings

Crushed brick used in historic brick-lime mortars and plasters (Horasan) were characterized for understanding their properties to develop intervention mortars for conservation. Brick powders were separated from original mortars and plasters, and analyzed by XRD, SEMEDS, TGA and pozzolanic activity (PA) measurements. The results showed that the microstructures of brick powders were not completely vitrified, and their XRD analysis failed to show the peaks for high temperature (T>900C) phases. PA measurements of all brick powders showed an ample amount of artificial pozzolan property. Consequently, brick powders aimed for conservation of historic mortars must have high clay contents in addition to being low-fired (T<900C) in order to produce maximum conversion into amorphous phase for ideal PA values.

Reconstruction of Archaeological Sites: Principles Practice and Evaluation

The reconstruction works at archaeological sites need to be approached with caution to prevent disturbing any surviving evidence. This study aims to develop criteria for the evaluation of reconstructions at archaeological sites. The criteria have been developed through review of current international and national conservation charters to help improve reconstruction proposals. These criteria are determined considering the remain scale and the site scale. Accuracy of the reconstruction, avoidance of physical damage, compatibility of materials, distinguishability of the interventions, availability of the interventions for future applications, and reversibility are the criteria concerning the remain scale; limits of the intervention, retainability of the original characteristics of the site, and perception of the reconstruction are the criteria concerning the site scale. These criteria are applied to the reconstruction works realized at the West Stoa of Agora, İzmir, Turkey during 1930s, which had to be dismissed and reimplemented in 2000s. The recent reconstruction was applied with compatible materials; the interventions did not damage the original materials and they are distinguishable. This study of the reconstruction presents the latest architectural information, provides a basis for future studies, and is reversible. The reconstructed structure does not falsify the original characteristics, but enables increased perception of the site.

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

Tahtakale Bath, which is located in the town of Tire in the province of İzmir, 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.

Evaluation of Architectural Characteristics for Conservation Decisions of Değirmendağı, İzmir, Turkey

Historical settlements, which are integral parts of the cultural heritage, should be documented and evaluated with their local characteristics. The aim of this study is to document, analyze and evaluate the architectural, environmental and social characteristics of an urban settlement called Değirmendağı District, which has a historical background beginning with the Roman period to the present, in the center of metropolitan city of İzmir, on the Aegean coast of Turkey. The settlement is one of the earliest that was planned by local administration in İzmir and contributes to the İzmir silhouette with its location on a steep hillside in the township of Konak. Documentation methods used are sketches, photography and architectural and social questionnaires. Inventory cards were prepared to collect architectural characteristics of each building and the social questionnaires were comprised of socio–economic characteristics of the settlers. Data gathered at the site was analyzed and evaluated to develop a conservation approach, including historical review of the ancient era. Since the area is easily accessible and close to city center, the area becomes attractive. It has the advantage of the vista based on its inclined topography and grid-planned scheme. Değirmendağı District is a special area requiring special conservation within the city of İzmir. However, historical pattern has changed through the years because of changing lifestyle. The area, which is one of the most important and valuable districts in İzmir considering its history, location, and architectural characteristics should be integrated with the city and citizens. This study documents the present potentials and values of the area and forms a basis to prepare conservation approaches.