An Example for the Ottoman Bazaars: Great Mosque of Burdur and Its Surroundings (Upper Bazaar)

Abstract

Physical environment and environmental values, to a certain extent, have been changed by industrialization, urbanization and modernization processes, which were experienced in different periods. Especially, as a result of urbanization policies implemented after 1950, special areas, the areas and buildings of first protection priority were identified in order to protect cultural heritage facing the threat of extinction. Considering its period of construction and location in Burdur, "The Historical Trade Centre" is one of these areas which can be regarded as the starting point of the current settlement area. In the study, it has been aimed to convey information about the buildings' current authentic structure, which have the typical bazaar features of the Ottoman urban culture, in order to protect them as in the best away, which is a prerequisite. This knowledge, which is to provide the structure with the right protection and restoration interventions, includes the development of the bazaar within time, its location, settlement of stores, plan types, facade elements and ornamental works. Archival research and fieldwork based on on-site observation and implementation were used as the method of the study. In the archival research, the information about the area's historical process and its physical and socio-cultural transformations was gathered. In the fieldwork, informative sheets about each structure were prepared; their plans were sketched out with the help of measured drawing, their photos were taken and documented, the restoration work which had done before was traced back and the owners and users of the oldest structures were interviewed. The study underlines the importance of protecting historical and cultural heritage by sampling the Historical Trade Centre in Burdur -a good example of the Ottoman city bazaars- as it is an attraction centre in the city, and it contributes to the economy and tourism of the city and has significant aspects socially, physically and culturally.