Investigation of the change of urban historical space (Izmir Beyler streets sample)

Historical streets, which play an important role in the preservation of urban history have been subject to changes and have lost their original structure in time. Several changes are observed in the morphology of cities, which have developed rapidly with the impact of modernization. In this context, the efforts for the preservation of the historical fabric by the end of 20th century have been superficial rather than integral and failed to acquire the urban planning dimension. Consequently, the historical texture conceptualized in the memory of the city and urban dwellers have become spaces that are consumed within the process and that are not sufficiently valued. Kemeraltı which is significant because it is the historical urban and commercial center of Izmir, with the impact of the changes after the declaration of the Republic has been exposed to several deteriorations in terms of both single structure and fabric. As the area of study, the Streets of Beyler (846th, 848th and 850th Streets), which are situated in the Kemeraltı Urban Protection Area and are at a walking distance from the historical marketplace was chosen. The focus area, where nowadays commercial activities targeting the middle-income group continue, actually stands out as a former residential area for the higher-class families of İzmir. It is known that in this area, in the period after the declaration of the Republic, was heavily populated by doctor's clinics and venues frequented by intelligentsia. Beyler Streets which are among the rare historical areas, although they have become dilapidated both structurally and culturally in line with the changing commercial functions. This study aims at spatial reading of the selected focus area from the perspective of the changes in space and living that the historical places undergo in time. As the result of the data obtained from the analysis and research conducted in the area and surveys made with street residents, it was perceived that a transformation and spatial layering has occurred. Awareness on the value of the street lessened whereas the relationship between the historical structures and the users loosened. In this respect, it is expected that this study can function as a guide in terms of interpretation of the changes that occurred in the historical area from past to present.