An investigation on the ground floor uses of 19th-century apartments in Istanbul within the scope of re-functioning: the case of Beyoğlu

Authors

  • Pınar Şahin Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Bahçeşehir University, Abbasağa, Ihlamur Yıldız Cd. No:8, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3956-9440

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14568/cp36105

Keywords:

Re-functioning, Heritage, Apartment, Ground floor, Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Abstract

The transformation of Istanbul's Beyoğlu region began with the 19th-century Westernization movements, resulting in the emergence of apartment buildings as a new architectural style. These buildings significantly influenced urban life, particularly due to the commercial and social activities taking place on their ground floors. However, over time, unconscious interventions and commercial concerns have caused the original qualities of these ground floors to be lost and damage to the historical texture. In this context, this study aims to analyse the ground floor usage of re-functioned buildings in Beyoğlu, focusing on the Botter Apartment and Baudouy Apartment, and evaluating the effects of interventions on the architectural integrity and historical texture. The study reveals that ground floors not only impact the urban fabric but also serve as an interface between historical buildings and public life, emphasizing the significance of preserving the originality and character of architectural heritage.

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Façade changes of the Botter Apartment

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Published

2026-04-13

How to Cite

Şahin, P. (2026). An investigation on the ground floor uses of 19th-century apartments in Istanbul within the scope of re-functioning: the case of Beyoğlu. Conservar Património. https://doi.org/10.14568/cp36105