A critical look at the new functions of Ottoman baths

A large number of baths, which have been one of the focus of communal life throughout the history of Anatolia and the Balkans, were built especially in the second half of the 14th and in the 15th centuries. But only a very few of the many buildings have retained their original function and have kept their authentic vitality. The majority of these baths have lost their functions, and they are now falling into ruin and disappearing, while some have been restored and converted, mostly into shopping centres. This new function has sometimes harmed some of them. Since they have excellent interior spaces, and still reflect some of the original elements, new functions which related to their specific architectural features must be given to the buildings. On the other hand, by reusing these buildings, we can adapt them to new functions that are responsive to the needs of the residents, by considering that the preservation of their interior layout is essential to achieving successful reuse. The present study intends to examine the factors which cause the deterioration as a direct result of the interaction of political, economic, social and structural forces, and the possibilities of reusing of them.