The adaptive reuse of historical train station buildings in the context of conservation: Eğirdir train station case study

The railway network, which developed with the Industrial Revolution, profoundly affected the economic, spatial and social structure of cities from the 19th century onwards; railway stations became symbolic focal points of this transformation. The station buildings constructed in the late Ottoman period are important structures that shaped urban identity and nourished social memory, in addition to facilitating transport. However, due to technological developments and changing economic priorities, many stations have become obsolete and fallen into disuse. This thesis examines the Eğirdir Railway Station, located within the borders of Isparta province, in terms of its architectural, functional and social dimensions. Built in 1912 and serving as the final stop on the Izmir–Aydın line, the station holds historical significance for its critical role in transporting ammunition to the Western Front during the war of indepence. Revitalising this disused space will contribute both to the preservation of the structure and to local development. Within the scope of the thesis, the historical development of the station, its layout and facade characteristics were examined; a proposal for repurposing that would preserve its identity and meet contemporary needs was presented. Furthermore, successful examples selected from Turkey and around the world were evaluated. There are nine structures within the station area. According to the proposed functions, the station building will be used as a reading room, the workers' barracks as a café and workshop, the hangar building as a restaurant, the warehouse building as an exhibition and museum space, the guesthouse as a boutique hotel, the inspector's building as a visitor information and train experience area, the catering building as an experiential photography area, and sheet metal barracks as a storage facility. The wc building will retain its original function.