Preservation question and evaluation of "Kayseri Hançerli Sultan Vakfı Bedesteni" within its traditional commercial structure

Kayseri is the one of the oldest and most prominent cities of Anatolia, which dates back to 3500 B.C. and reaches to 2000s. The city has always hosted significant historical and commercial events. The commercial activities of Kayseri have reached to an international dimension from the very beginning, which also create a deeply rooted tradition of commercial structures in the city.In the Seljuki period, as one of the most important commercial centers, bazaars of Kayseri were located outside the city walls, surrounding the city. Whereas in the Ottoman period, all commercial structures were started to be built inside the sur, at the city centre. It is the beginning of the establishment of the Traditional Commercial Structure of the city, which expands eventually. In 1497, Sanjak Beg of Kayseri Mustafa bin Abdulhay made built ?Kayseri Hançerli Sultan Vakfı Bedesteni? and 38 stores surrounding the structure, thus he marks the establishment of the commercial fabric.There are many historical records showing the previous situations of Bedesten. The last reparation of the structure was in 1975, which is a quite simple one. It has never been repaired seriously in detail.During different periods, Bedesten itself and its surroundings have lost their original status in terms of function and physical existence, by structural changes and reparations, as a result of needs, desires and change. Eventually, especially the changes in function made the structure and its surrounding a squalid, neglected area, as articulated in detail for the first time in measured drawings (relevé) of this project.. The existing maps are unable to show even the edges of Bedesten. The plan of site of Bedesten, which is prepared for the first time for this thesis, depicts the structure with the commercial fabric surrounding it in detail.The restitution of the first stage of the structure is prepared by examining the related documents, in-field studies, interviews with the related institutions and the people who directly know some previous stages of the structure. Also further information is obtained by comparative studies of other Ottoman Bedestens. Restitution projects of different stages of Bedesten is prepared for this thesis. Besides, after realizing that the small mosque (mescid) on the fountain (it does not exist today) which is written in deed of trust (Vakfiye) was misplaced in the hitherto sources, its correct place is accurately ascertained and also depicted in the restitution drawings of the structure. These are the first restitution drawings of the structure. This thesis also shows for the first time that the dome covering the northern part of the Bedesten is the ?prayer (dua) dome?; and the epigraph (kitabe) on the top of the door of the middle section of the northern part is actually misplaced. The reasons of the misplacement are discussed in this thesis.The restoration project of Bedesten, which is prepared for the first time, proposes a new function for the structure, i.e. a ?Cultural Centre? which is appropriate to the plan scheme, indeed, keeps the structure as a lively place together with not damaging its original status. It is considered as the way of the least intervention with the most protection, which enables the access to Bedesten by future generations. Besides, the surrounding is included in this project as rearranging it as a square. New ideas are proposed for the functions of the surrounding architectural structures. A total amelioration and awakening of the area is sought.Key words: Traditional commercial structure, commercial structures, Bedesten, Kayseri Hançerli Sultan Vakfı Bedesteni, relevé, restitution, restoration projects.