Modernization of structural production and formation of contracting system in Turkey

As from the 18th century, the adversity of the organization of Hassa Architects? Guild isengrossing. Novel architectural pleasures and tastes arising with the altering social andeconomic conditions made a new construction organization in the empire rather obligatory.The changes that construction organization been through since the 18th century, in a period ofalmost two centuries and the formation of contracting system with the help of modernizationin structural production is described in this study.In order to explain the alterations and developments in this specific period, the documentsfrom Prime Ministry Ottoman Archive is utilized. The documents transcripted shows that thecontractor services provided are extensively based on the process of contraction by assistantsand constant cost basis as of the end of 18th century. The assistants came to the foreground byputting the anonymous structure of Hassa Architects? Guild aside and displayed a largeractivity in contryside as well as in the capital city more than other professional groups in theconstruction area. The actors of construction area are analysed in terms of ethnic origins,professional grouping, partnerships and companies founded. Corrupt practices, conflicts,financial adversities due to the lack of a procurement law were supposed to be solved withvarious methods based on Sultan?s decision. The terms of tendering prodedures from thecontracts and engagements between sides are defined in the extent of this work.The started to lose the power at the beginning of the 20th century and left their places toarchitects, contractors and engineers. Ideological change is the leading factor that thearchitects take place in the construction area. The beginning of the 20th century containing adepressive period of war and revolution, ended up with economically hard times for manycontactors because of nonpaid claims. On the other hand, it is a period when many usefuldevelopments on the construction area started to spread. Especially there were a number ofapplications and initiatives for the factories manufacturing construction material, ensuringcompanies, banks, construction and contracting companies. In a period including both themodernization efforts and the ideological changes at the same time, many problems such asthe lack of professional specialization, financial adversities, lack of a procurement law andmany others were transfered to the contractors of Turkish Republic and the empire ceased torule.Key Words: Assistants, public buildings council, the organization of architectural practiceJURY:1. Asist. Prof. Bülent Tanju (Supervisor) Approval date: 14.09.20062. Prof. Dr. Uğur Tanyeli Page Number: 2823. Prof. Dr. Günkut Akın4. Prof. Dr. Baha Tanman5. Asist. Prof. Berrin Alper