Preservation of the integrity of the archaeological and industrial heritage: Example of Haydarpaşa Railway Station site

Since the 19th century, cities have undergone profound transformations due to industrialization and modernization movements. On one hand, the demolition of existing structures to construct urban areas suited to the new way of life, and on the other hand, the development of transportation systems, infrastructure, and new types of buildings essential for the creation of the modern city, were central activities of this period. The urban renewal initiatives that began in Europe encountered further devastation during World War II. The destruction of city centers caused by aerial bombardment underscored the importance of urban memory and historical remnants, leading to the emergence of the concept of urban archaeology. In the post-war period, when remnants from various historical periods of cities began to be regarded as essential components shaping urban identity, the scope of cultural heritage expanded to encompass not only archaeological sites but also industrial artifacts. Among the most significant elements of the industrialization process, the railway structures that have survived to the present day have become the foremost representatives of industrial heritage. The area designated as Haydarpaşa Train Station constitutes one of the railway heritage sites that must be preserved due to its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century. However, during the activities conducted under the CR3 Contract of the Marmaray Project, aimed at improving the Gebze-Halkalı suburban line at Haydarpaşa Station, remains of significant urban archaeological value were discovered. The preservation of this area, where multiple layers of historical cultural heritage converge, has been examined in this thesis as a contemporary issue, grounded in the principles of integration, sustainability, and the equality of values. This study undertakes a chronological analysis of the archaeological site and industrial heritage structures uncovered through an examination of the multilayered composition of Haydarpaşa Train Station, situated within the broader framework of urban continuity. The primary objective is to critically evaluate the conservation challenges posed by the urban archaeological site, particularly in light of its extensive scale, to explore the feasibility of integrated preservation approaches, and to formulate recommendations aimed at safeguarding the site as a model for sustainable conservation strategies and policies.