A "Classical" Response to Contemporary Issues: Examples of Informal Mosque Production in Beykoz, Istanbul

Authors : Meryem Odabaşi, Göksun Akyürek

Pages : 792-811

Doi:10.35674/kent.1103094

View : 84 | Download : 83

Publication Date : 2023-06-15

Article Type : Research Article

Abstract :Through examples from Beykoz, this study questions and investigates informality as a substantial phenomenon in the architectural and spatial formation of mosque buildings in Istanbul\'s informally developed neighbourhoods. The goal is to provide a new theoretical perspective on this legitimate yet illegal/informal form of socio-spatial practice in relation to the specific dynamics of Istanbul\'s informal urbanity and architectural production. As for methodology, following a theoretical and historical survey on the informal urbanity and procedures of mosque production in Turkey, the architectural and spatial features of three mosque complexes are analysed, evaluated, and discussed. The data was obtained through site surveys and interviews with the primary actors involved in their constructions. This data was processed into scaled drawings for a comparative analysis of their formal and spatial configurations. The study concentrated on gathering first-hand information from the producers of these mosques and the buildings themselves. The results showed that the builders, who were also the future users, followed an imprecise classical mosque scheme during their building processes. Their participatory and spontaneous construction processes also brought innovation in the spatial and formal organization, employing improvisation. The architectural and spatial aspects of these building complexes also presented considerable problems. Finally, the research aims to contribute new studies for developing new strategies and legal frames, engaging the will and the energy of the users to shape their social and physical environments in the urban context.
Keywords : Beykoz, Istanbul, Cami Mimarisi, Enformel Mimarlık, Klasik Osmanlı Camisi