An Analysis of the Architectural Properties of Eyüp Çeribaşi Masjid: Conservation Problems and Proposals

Abstract

Here we investigate the protection problems of Çeribaşı Masjid, which has largely lost its spatialand visual identity and determine the available preservation approaches to the structure and itssurroundings. Çeribaşı Masjid, which was built in the sixteenth century in Eyüp, İstanbul, consistsof a closed prayer hall, a cemetery, and an ablution place. Çeribaşı Masjid remained in ruins fornearly two centuries and was repaired in 1996 by the Directorate General of Foundations. Overtime, the rise of the roadway, inappropriate interventions, and unqualified additions made itdifficult to perceive the masjid and damaged its relationship with its surroundings. Within thescope of this study, in the historical process, the changes that occurred in the Çeribaşı Masjidwere examined together with archival documents, historical photos, and maps; the currentsituation of the masjid and its near surroundings were defined by the data obtained from measureddrawings and on-site examinations; and the incorrect interventions were identified. As a result, aholistic protection approach (physical and cultural) was established that aims to transfer to futuregenerations the structure and its surroundings, with their original identity.