Performance of Interior Space for Historical and Spatial Transformation; Refunctioning of Kula Sungur Bey Bath
Abstract
Re-functioning of historical monumental structures which lost their original functions isimportant in the context of the continuing use of historical structures. In today's conditions wherecultural tourism is important, the re-activation of historical buildings has made a great contributionto the cities in historical, social and economical terms. However, re-functioning contributes the mostto the preservation of monumental structures and to the maintenance of the identities of the cities. Refunctioningof historical structures especially monumental structures needs to be planned in such away that new functions given to the structure will not harm the original qualities of the structure, oreven emphasize its features.Re-functioning of monumental buildings makes possible the re-use of these structures today as well.During the Ottoman Empire period, the Turkish bath (hammam) culture was one of the mostsignificant features of the Turkish custom. It was possible to find a Turkish bath in everywhere withinthe borders of the Ottoman Empire. Turkish baths (bazaar baths or public baths) are similar to theold Roman baths in terms of their heating system but their architectural features are completelydifferent. In this study, the general characteristics of Turkish baths will be examined. Nonetheless, there-functioning of the Turkish baths and problems related to their conservation will be studied. Withinthis framework, we will observe the consequences of the transformation of the Kula Sungur Bey Bath,situated in the historic urban area of the town of Kula, to a cafeteria and an exhibition area.