Changing/Transformation of Function in Historical Environments: An Evaluation of The Beşiktaş-Köyiçi, Kartal (Eagle) Statue and Its Surroundings

Abstract

Beşiktaş-Köyiçi is an old residential area of Istanbul which has hosted many communities throughout its history. The density of the region, combined with some decisions taken by local governments, has led to changes in the diversity and distribution of functions. This change which can be traced in open-public spaces, building groups, or individual structures, has led to erosion in the historical and architectural character of Köyiçi. The aim of this study is to determine the changes/transformations over a period of approximately 100 years and to evaluate the situation in the context of the conservation discipline. The study area’s boundaries are drawn to include the Kartal Statue in the center of Beşiktaş Köyiçi and the building blocks numbered 291, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 305, 306, 402 with the surrounding pedestrian and vehicle roads. For the literature review, the function was examined in relation to the historical environment in international and national conservation texts. Then, some criteria were determined in question format to evaluate the study area. Determinations were made by comparing the situation of the study area in the 1922 Pervititch Maps with the 2020 maps. All the data obtained were used to answer the criteria questions determined in the literature research.