Investigation of construction characteristics, structural failures and material deteriorations of Ottoman Period baths in Iznik for conservation and restoration

Historic buildings formed according to their local physical and social contexts are immovable cultural assets and tangible cultural heritage that reflect the architectural characteristics of the period in which they were built. In this content, İznik, a multi- layered settlement with interlocked different periods in terms of architectural approaches and cultures, were determined as the scope of the study. In this study, seven Ottoman baths reflecting the general features of Ottoman baths architecture and the way of life of the period were examined with regards to construction characteristics and use of materials. In addition, in order to set a base for conservation and restoration work, structural failures and material deterations in all baths were identified and improved solution proposals subsequently. The thesis has five chapters. In the introduction chapter, definition of problem, purpose, scope and method of the study were explained. In the second chapter, information about Iznik and bath architecture took place. In the third chapter, separate analyzes of construction properties, structural failures and material deterioration for each bath structure were stated. In the fourth chapter, general evaluations were made in the consideration of the results gained from the series of analysis and detailed drawings of buildings and explanatory tables were prepared. In the conclusion section, a general summary of the results and recommendations for conservation and repair were presented. The study is important for documenting local construction features, material usage, current situations and original detail solutions of the baths which are in danger of losing their original identities and of disapperance entirely; furthermore, in terms of conservation of the baths and transfer them to future generations.