Evaluation of conservation problems of Değirmendağı District in Izmir

Abstract

Integral part of the cultural heritage, historical settlements should be documented with their local characteristics. The aim of this study is to document, analyze, and evaluate social, architectural and enviromental characteristics of the historic Değirmendağı District of İzmir, Turkey.Değirmendağı is located near the city center, providing a silhouette to the city.This ninteenth-century residential area was settled by refugees immigrating after the 1877-1878 Russo-Turkish War. Later, Değirmendağı District began to lose its integrity owing to lack of care and interest, and demographic changes in the neighborhood.Documentation methods used are sketches, photography. Documentation architectural and social questionnaires. Inventory cards were prepared to collect architectural characteristics of each building. Data gathered at the site was analyzed and evaluated to develop conservational approach, including historical review of the ancient era. The variables of the study are composed of two groups. The first is architectural characteristics: disposition of buildings, land use, number of storeys, plan and façade typologies, exterior architectural elements, period of buildings, construction technique, structurnal condition, types of alterations, and visual values. The second group is comprised of socio . economic characteristics: ownership and rent groups, origin, density, education, profession, income and sanitary conditions.This area should be integrated with the city and its citizens. This study documents the present potentials and values of the area and forms a basis to prepare conservation approaches. An equitable and livable heritage conservation perspective is imperative.