Assessment of olive oil factories in Havran, Balikesir, in the context of industrial heritage

Methods of obtaining olive oil from olives have evolved and progressed since ancient times. In this study, the industrial heritage structures of olive oil factories in the Havran district of Balıkesir have been examined. The aim of the study is to investigate these industrial heritage structures from historical and architectural perspectives, document their current conditions, and determine preservation approaches based on the changes and deteriorations they have undergone.The first part of the study discusses the concept of industrial heritage and the necessary preservation approaches for industrial heritage elements, drawing from national and international regulations and agreements. Examples of industrial heritage structures from around the world and our country are provided. Following this section, the production of olive oil and its historical development are explained. In the next section, olive oil factories in Havran, which were traditionally operated but have now changed their production methods or functions, or have been abandoned, are examined in terms of their location, identity information, architectural features, and deterioration status. The data obtained is documented using the inventory developed for this study. The inventory system and corresponding concepts have been elucidated. The architectural configuration, contingent upon the functional aspects during the production process has been delineated in plan and section. The subsequent section includes the significance of the documented factories and the challenges in their preservation. For the Abdullah Ertem Olive Oil Factory at the single-building scale, period analyses, partial restitutions, and restoration projects are proposed for preservation. New functions for the identified factories are suggested based on inventory data, and an industrial route is created, including these factories and the museums of the district. Finally, the last section presents the results of all the studies conducted in the Havran district.