Restoration Disasters in Türkiye: 10 Failed Examples

Restoration of historical monuments or structures devotion as a repair process. However, in our country it is seen as a reconstruction. Because historical artifacts that have defied hundreds of years, lose their historical texture by taking on a completely different state as a result of restoration work. In this article that we have prepared for you, we have included examples of unsuccessful restorations in our country. Here are the disasters of restoration in Türkiye …

1 – Ushakli Island Castle (Chile)

Also known as Silla Castle or Ocakli Ada Castle, this castle was built 2,000 years ago by the Genoese as a watchtower, according to estimates. Reaching 12 meters high by an area of ​​100 square metres, the castle underwent extensive restoration in 2012. The works were completed in 2015, but the castle has acquired an appearance far removed from its historical fabric. In fact, many people have compared Castle of Oshackley Island to SpongeBob’s castle after the restoration, and have criticized the people who signed off on the work.

2 – Ishak Pasha Palace (Doğubeyazıt)

Although the construction of Isaac Pasha’s palace in Ağrı Doğubeyazıt started in 1685, it took 1784 to be completed. The last restoration work carried out in the palace in 2014 has become the subject of criticism. Because the transparent glass roof of the palace looks completely out of touch with the historical texture of the palace. On the other hand, the authorities argue that the added glass roof will protect the palace from sunlight and adverse weather conditions. However, people believe that the Ishak Pasha Palace looks more like a glass house in its current state.

3 – Antiphellos Antique Theater (Kas)

In Türkiye, there are a total of 206 ancient theaters from the Roman era. One of them is Antiphellos Antique Theater in Kas. The last restoration work was carried out in this ancient city by the sea that also has a wonderful view in 2010. However, when concrete was poured on the floor of the ancient city during the restoration, the public part, which was 28 rows, was reduced to 26 rows.

4 – Atikvalid Complex (Uskudar)

The Atik Valide complex, located in sküdar, is known as Mimar Sinan’s last work. The complex, whose hospital part was restored in 2015, broke away from its historical fabric with the work done. While the hospital corridors overlooking the inner courtyard were covered with glass, the part of the courtyard was turned into a café.

5 – Sohail Bey Mosque (Beyoglu)

Located in Fındıklı, Istanbul, the Sühely Bey Mosque is another historical monument that has suffered from faulty restoration. The mosque, which was commissioned from Suhail Bey in 1591 by Mimar Sinan, the most valuable architect of the period, had a vaulted and octagonal structure in its original plan. After its restoration in 2015, it lost both its dome and its octagonal structure. Unfortunately, the series of errors did not end there. While the facade of the historic mosque was covered in glass, the lower floor was turned into a shop.

6- The Palace of Tekfur (The Conqueror)

Another work, which is among the disasters of restoration in Turkey, was done at Tekfur Palace. Tekfur Palace was part of the Blakernay Palace complex, where the Byzantine Empire ruled from the 12th century until the conquest of Istanbul. Located in the southern part of the palace complex, this building is also the only surviving structure from the Blachernae Palace complex. The palace, which has been added with wooden windows in recent restoration work, has also been the target of criticism with the addition of aluminum balustrades on the balcony.

7 – Hagia Sophia Orhan Mosque (Iznik)

Since the Seventh Consul held here in 787, this building, considered sacred to Christians, dates back to 325 AD. Converted into a mosque in 1331, now a museum and then a mosque again, the Hagia Sophia Orhan Mosque has been cut away from its historical fabric by recent restoration work. While the glass door decorated with butterflies was built at the entrance to the mosque, its domes and minaret are covered in concrete.

8 – Sayed Batal Ghazi Complex (Sitjazi)

The Seyyed Batal Gazi Complex in Eskisehir acquired a completely different appearance after the restoration work it underwent. The kulliye, which had marble columns in its original form, has been supported by concrete columns after restoration. An American kitchen and modern toilets were built in the complex inherited from the Seljuks. For lighting, spotlights are installed on the wall …

9- Historical Turkish Bath (Kadikoy)

The hammam in the hunting estate, which had been intended for Murat V before, became unrecognizable after the restoration. The roof of the hammam, which is located on the Marmara University’s Göztepe Campus, is covered with glass and the floor is covered with parquet. While the building’s walls were plastered, the exterior was painted salmon. The bathroom’s restoration work, which has no trace of it in its original condition, has been talked about on social media.

10. Roman Mosaic (Antakya)

The mosaics in the Hatay Archaeological Museum, the second largest mosaic exhibition area in the world, were moved to a different building in 2015. It did not go unnoticed that the mosaics, which were restored during the transfer, turned out to be very different from their original state.

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