Kuzguncuk semtindeki dini binaların sözdizimsel analizi

Istanbul, known for its historical and commercial significance, has hosted a multitude of cultures and beliefs. One of the neighborhoods with a high concentration of cultural and religious diversity is Kuzguncuk, located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. For centuries, Jews, Armenians, Turks, and Greeks have coexisted in this district, leaving cultural imprints that manifest in the urban landscape through the construction of their religious buildings. Examining this multi-religious and multicultural structure from an architectural perspective and understanding the perception of ritual spaces in this neighborhood is crucial for explaining the tolerance-based social interactions observed here. This study focuses on the Islamic, Jewish, and Christian buildings in Kuzguncuk. It aims to conduct a syntactic analysis of four buildings representing three different religions in Kuzguncuk: The Kuzguncuk Mosque, Bet Yaakov Synagogue, Agios Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church, and Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Church. Each building, with its unique architectural features, conveys a message to human perception and represents a place in the community's collective memory. These buildings embody the tangible expression of the religious doctrines to which they belong, determining the role of individuals within these spaces through their architectural characteristics. This study hypothesises that the architectural features of ritual spaces in Kuzguncuk significantly impact an individual's perception of space. The open architectural layout of mosques, with their large prayer halls and minimal internal divisions, creates a welcoming environment that promotes flexibility in worship rituals and communal gatherings. In contrast, the architectural design of churches and synagogues often reflects a more closed, hierarchical structure with divided internal spaces, emphasizing a more inward-looking form of worship. This study hypothesizes that these differences in spatial configuration and architectural features between mosques, churches, and synagogues will be reflected in terms of spatial integration, connectivity, and accessibility at four designated points for each ritual space in Kuzguncuk. The spatial syntax analysis is expected to quantify these differences and reveal how the architectural characteristics of these buildings shape different social interactions and community dynamics. Furthermore, the study proposes that religious architecture significantly impacts the urban social structure and perceptual experience, influencing how communities interact within these spaces and in the broader urban context. The field study involved analysing four ritual spaces in the Kuzguncuk neighborhood. Scaled architectural drawings were obtained in DWG format, followed by detailed on-site visits to refine the plans. Using the Syntax 2D program, the perceptual effects of these spaces on individuals were detailed, offering opportunities to optimize the general usability of these areas through internal and environmental connections. The study examined perception at four points inside and outside the buildings: the center of the interior, the garden, the entrance gate, and the nearest intersection. Measurements from these points helped analyze the impact of architectural elements on visitor movements, sightlines, and overall spatial experience. The results of the spatial syntax analysis support the hypothesis that the architectural features of ritual spaces in Kuzguncuk significantly impact spatial perception and social interactions. The analysis revealed that the Agios Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church, with its large isovist areas and high integration values, is a more open and accessible space. In contrast, the Kuzguncuk Mosque, with low integration and connectivity values, is a less interactive and accessible space. The high depth values and limited visibility parameters of Bet Yaakov Synagogue indicate that it is perceived as a more private and secluded worship space. The Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Church also has lower spatial integration and connectivity levels, creating a more private worship environment. These findings suggest that the architectural design of these religious buildings plays a crucial role in shaping community dynamics and social interactions within Kuzguncuk, highlighting the importance of considering architectural and spatial factors in urban planning and community building.