Curing a historic bazaar years later
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Anatolia News Agency
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Nisan 18, 2009 00:00
ISTANBUL - The historic Grand Bazaar is the world’s first big enclosed shopping mall and an important historical monument for Istanbul. Now with the collaboration of municipalities a step toward its restoration is taken
In a complicated undertaking by the Istanbul Metropolitan and Fatih municipalities, restoration of Istanbul’s world-famous Grand Bazaar has started. Arriving at Fatih Municipality to visit and congratulate re-elected mayor Mustafa Demir, Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş answered questions about the restoration of the Grand Bazaar.
According to Topbaş, the bazaar, which has more than 58 streets and over 1,200 shops, is being affected by external factors more day by day. "We have to take care of this place and start the renovation work as soon as possible," Topbaş said.
Topbaş said the historic bazaar was the first big enclosed shopping mall in the world and an important historical monument for Istanbul. "Unfortunately there are problems on the proprietary rights issue about the bazaar. There are offices and stores that are private property and other various establishments in the bazaar and we have heard that even the remnants on the walls are being ruined by private property owners," he said.
Underlining the importance of the restoration, which should preserve the original architecture, Topbaş said the Special Provincial Administration’s resources could be used for the project’s work.
From the planning to the restoration work, the project will be run with the cooperation of the two municipalities.When asked if the Istanbul fire department prepared a report advising the closure of the Grand Bazaar during the restoration, Topbaş said their report recommended the municipalities to take the necessary measures. "Of course these measures should be taken systematically, not by individuals or shopkeepers." The bazaar hosts 250,000 to 400,000 visitors daily.
Future restoration plans
Talking during Topbaş’s visit, Demir said their cooperation would definitely continue with the metropolitan municipality. "For the last five years we have accomplished many projects, and all through the projects’ works we have seen big support from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality," said Demir.
Fatih Municipality’s future plans include many restoration and development projects all over the historic peninsula. "Besides our duty to serve the public, we are responsible for protecting the history and preserving the historical parts of Istanbul, because these places are the meeting points of the past and the future. With the support of the metropolitan municipality we are willing to develop our service and be more successful," Demir said.
Fatih Municipality formed a study group for the Grand Bazaar restoration project right after the 29 March local elections. The group is formed of various experts and professors from different establishments and institutions.
Demir said the Grand Bazaar’s biggest problem is the lack of a management plan. The project covers three gradual plans. "There are places of the bazaar that need urgent action to be recovered and saved. There are leakages. The project group will work to intervene in the primary troubles. We are aiming to make the landlords of the stores a part of this project. Beyond doubt, there is a master plan for the restoration work and landscaping that will take place in each corner of the Grand Bazaar," Demir said.
Originally built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in the mid-1400s, the Grand Bazaar underwent its last major restoration in 1894 following an earthquake. There have been smaller restoration projects in 1954 and 1983, however the more recent effort has come under heavy criticism in the past few years.
According to Topbaş, the bazaar, which has more than 58 streets and over 1,200 shops, is being affected by external factors more day by day. "We have to take care of this place and start the renovation work as soon as possible," Topbaş said.
Topbaş said the historic bazaar was the first big enclosed shopping mall in the world and an important historical monument for Istanbul. "Unfortunately there are problems on the proprietary rights issue about the bazaar. There are offices and stores that are private property and other various establishments in the bazaar and we have heard that even the remnants on the walls are being ruined by private property owners," he said.
Underlining the importance of the restoration, which should preserve the original architecture, Topbaş said the Special Provincial Administration’s resources could be used for the project’s work.
From the planning to the restoration work, the project will be run with the cooperation of the two municipalities.When asked if the Istanbul fire department prepared a report advising the closure of the Grand Bazaar during the restoration, Topbaş said their report recommended the municipalities to take the necessary measures. "Of course these measures should be taken systematically, not by individuals or shopkeepers." The bazaar hosts 250,000 to 400,000 visitors daily.
Future restoration plans
Talking during Topbaş’s visit, Demir said their cooperation would definitely continue with the metropolitan municipality. "For the last five years we have accomplished many projects, and all through the projects’ works we have seen big support from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality," said Demir.
Fatih Municipality’s future plans include many restoration and development projects all over the historic peninsula. "Besides our duty to serve the public, we are responsible for protecting the history and preserving the historical parts of Istanbul, because these places are the meeting points of the past and the future. With the support of the metropolitan municipality we are willing to develop our service and be more successful," Demir said.
Fatih Municipality formed a study group for the Grand Bazaar restoration project right after the 29 March local elections. The group is formed of various experts and professors from different establishments and institutions.
Demir said the Grand Bazaar’s biggest problem is the lack of a management plan. The project covers three gradual plans. "There are places of the bazaar that need urgent action to be recovered and saved. There are leakages. The project group will work to intervene in the primary troubles. We are aiming to make the landlords of the stores a part of this project. Beyond doubt, there is a master plan for the restoration work and landscaping that will take place in each corner of the Grand Bazaar," Demir said.
Originally built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in the mid-1400s, the Grand Bazaar underwent its last major restoration in 1894 following an earthquake. There have been smaller restoration projects in 1954 and 1983, however the more recent effort has come under heavy criticism in the past few years.