The contribution of converting the industrial heritage in Istanbul into museum buildings to socio-cultural sustainability

The industrialization has caused a rapid structuring in Istanbul, as in every city. As a result of the increasing population, developing technology and industrialization, rapid consumption of natural resources became an inevitable case. The solution to social and environmental problems is sustainability, which is an interdisciplinary concept. Almost all of the buildings that are important for the city have been located in the most appropriate place with an ideal setting in line with the period and function they were built in. With the changing and developing environment, the requirements of the building and its function also change. Buildings that cannot meet the new requirements are doomed to be abandoned. Buildings that were built rapidly with the Industrial Revolution were abandoned after a while, having completed their functional life. Reflecting the period in which they were built, these buildings are considered within the scope of industrial heritage. The abandonment of structures bearing traces of the past before completing their structural lives causes the formation of the idle building stock. At this point, re-functionalization, which is a current issue, appears to be a sustainable approach. It is an undeniable fact that re-functioning, which has many examples in Europe, is an important approach in transferring cultural heritage. Examples encountered in recent years in Turkey, new functions will be given in the re-use of historical buildings, the structure's location, is incompatible with spatial properties and the environment is required, as well as to society; should be socially, economically and culturally beneficial. This study was conducted to examine the contributions of re-functioning to sustainable development and socio-cultural sustainability. In accordance with this purpose, after a comprehensive literature review, the scope of the study was determined by introducing general concepts. Determinations were made by examining the sample structures included in this scope. It has been accepted as a socio-culturally positive approach to display both the building itself and the products belonging to a period or a subject within the museum function. This study aims to be a source for future studies in line with its scope.