Completed Projects

Edirne: Documentation and Risk Assessment of Architectural Heritage

This study that considers Edirne’s historical structures primarily aims to assess the architectural history in the province, identify the current conditions of at-risk architectural works, and contribute to their continued existence through scholarly suggestions.

Edirne is home to some well-preserved and historical structures. However, it is known that there are various and numerous historical buildings —especially outside Edirne’s centrum— that are not so well-preserved and face greater risks. Hence, our study focused on districts outside of the centrum, such as Enez, Havsa, İpsala, Keşan, Lalapaşa, Meriç, Süloğlu, and Uzunköprü. Some examples of at-risk structures from villages and localities that border Edirne’s central district were also considered.

The destruction of original information about the structures is as critical a threat as the physical damage inflicted on them. If a building is not adequately documented, its inherent cultural-heritage values, which should be transferred to future generations, could be lost. For this reason, a fieldwork was conducted from 25 July to 6 August 2021 to explore the historical buildings.

Approximately 80 structures that illuminate the cultural fabric of Edirne and its environs —especially outside of the centrum— were documented during the 12-day fieldwork, but only the ones facing the greatest danger were included in this publication.

Structures were researched and documented in light of their historical context via an investigation into the history of Edirne. They were grouped in the following categories: Religious Structures, Houses, Fortresses, Bathhouses, Bridges, Aqueducts, Industrial and Commercial Structures, and Public Structures. A total of 49 structures at highest risk were included in the publication. Click here to access the publication titled Edirne: Architectural Heritage at Risk and all reports.

During the fieldwork, buildings’ current conditions and their deteriorations were documented; their physical surroundings were also examined. The information collected during historical research and field analyses, the architectural features of the building in question as well as its history, function(s), relationship with its surroundings, and the problems with its materials and construction were recorded in tables by experts. Each report presents an architectural description of the building followed by its current condition, a risk analysis and recommendations. This sections examine the risks faced by the structure, recommendations to minimise them, and prevention methods against various threats. Methods of architectural conservation were mentioned in the context of each building’s condition and unique context.

Experts participating in the study prepared risk analysis tables where each building was numerically evaluated in terms of its priority as a cultural asset and the risks it faces. The structures with accelerating and extensive deteriorations were identified in order to prioritise the ones that face the highest risk

We aimed to increase the documentation impact of the project through the use of digital technologies. For this reason, digital technologies were used to present architectural properties via a collaboration between KMKD, The Heritage Management Organization (HERITAGE) and The House. 360° panoramic recordings were made in some of the structures and digital models were prepared. Photogrammetry was used to combine the on-site data into 3D models and 360° panoramic images.

You can reach our publication, which includes the findings of field studies from the Publications section our website. For more detailed information, 360 ° panoramic views and 3D models, you can visit http://edirneheritage.org/

Funder: German Federal Foreign Office

Project Coordinator: Mustafa Akçaöz

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