Abstract

This study aims to survey, analyse and evaluate the old tannery site in Kuşadası, Aydın; and to propose a refunctioning scheme for the continuation of its survival. An application project for the conservation of this site has been developed by Göç-Tur Firm, which has rented the site from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for 49 years. This thesis questions Göç-Tur’s project and develops an academic approach for the conservation problem. It claims that determination of an appropriate function for the site should be based on evaluations at tannery unit and site scales. Detailed analysis is a prerequisite for understanding of values and problems. The refunctioning scheme should consider urban requirements, reuse preferences, theoretical scope and structural necessities.

The built cultural heritage in Kuşadası has been continuously damaged as a result of mass tourism and the absence of forward planning. Within this context, the old tannery site is a significant potential for Kuşadası as it still preserves the modest design character based on human scale and the original solid-void organization with minimum alterations. Moreover, the traditional leather production process documented via these tanneries is itself a value.

When refunctioning decisions are determined mostly with the employer preferences rather than detailed analysis and evaluation phases, these decisions may be incompatible with the case potential. In turn, the appropriate function for the tannery site has been clarified after deciphering its urban and documentary values; and also spatial and structural problems within the frame of contemporary theory of conservation. Consequently, refunctioning of the discussed tannery site as a commercial district with the association of leather goods has been achieved.