Conservation project of Latife Hanım House in Karşıyaka, Izmir

Abstract

The Latife Hanım House in Karıyaka, zmir is a built heritage which must be conserved because of its historical and architectural importance. It is a representative of modernization in housing in the late Ottoman Period. It has historical significance, because Zübeyde Hanım, Atatürk.s mother, stayed here for a month and died here in 1923, and also it was belonging to Latife Hanım, Atatürk.s only wife. The house has problems mainly stemming from lack of maintenance and abandonment. The aim of this study is to decipher the historical significance of the studied case with respect to Atatürk, to evaluate it as a part of the housing architecture in zmir experienced during late Ottoman modernization and also to present a conservation scheme so that it can continue its living. The methodology involves site investigations, analysis of the structural and architectural elements and their problems, archive research, literature research and historical evaluation. The building is not only important because of its relation with Atatürk, but also because of its uniqueness a historical house. It is a large programmed residence of a wealthy Turkish family with a large garden built at the periphery of zmir, Karıyaka, and synthesizing traditional and modern design manners of the 19th century. The detailed historical evaluation has made possible preparation of a sound restitution. Finally, intervention decisions with respect to ethics of conservation, and measures for structural interventions and refunctioning decisions are presented. The criterion of reliability of restitution is the basis of reconstruction decisions. The cracks on the western wall stemming from earthquakes should be urgently treated. The problem of dampness causing material decay should be solved. Refunctioning of the house as a center of education and entertainment for women will continue the memories of the two women who were important for Atatürk.