Completed Project

Restoration of the Annexes of Selimiye Mosque

The severely deteriorated historical annex buildings were restored, preserving their documented architectural character, wooden construction tradition, and their relationship with the surroundings of the Selimiye Mosque.

EmployerÜsküdar Municipality Department of Public Works

LocationSelimiye Neighborhood, Üsküdar, Istanbul

Type of JobRestoration and Reconstruction

Year of Production2023

SituationCompleted

Project Approach

The historical streetscape and traditional wooden architectural character of the building group have been restored.

The annex buildings located on parcels 1, 2, 5, and 6 of block 327 in the Selimiye neighborhood of Üsküdar were at risk of significant material loss, structural deterioration, and roof collapse prior to the construction work.

The project was carried out with a holistic site organization encompassing the documentation and removal of existing structural elements, ground and foundation construction, reconstruction of the timber frame load-bearing system, roofing, facade, joinery, interior, electrical and mechanical installations, and landscaping.

The project is not merely about imitating the historical appearance; it is about recreating the traditional wooden building character while adapting it to current structural, insulation, and plumbing needs.

Selimiye Camii Meşrutaları tamamlanan yerleşke

Pre-implementation Status

Extensive losses in the roof, facade, and load-bearing elements had eliminated the possibility of safe and sustainable use of the buildings.

Decay and decomposition in wooden facade cladding, loss of cross-section in load-bearing elements, deterioration in joinery, collapse of roof covering and beams, newly added structures, and irregular interventions in the surrounding area were detected.

Pre-implementation documentation and dismantling work was carried out to separate reusable original components and to ensure that new fabrications are carried out according to approved project details.

Selimiye Camii Meşrutaları uygulama öncesi

Selimiye Camii Meşrutaları restorasyon sonrası

Street Front

The deteriorated wooden structure was restored in accordance with its original mass and facade proportions.

Wooden Structure Characteristics

The load-bearing frame, siding, guillotine-style windows, and roof system were all considered together.

Foundation and Supporting System

A new structural framework was created that provides continuity from below ground level to the roof.

Following excavation and ground preparation, reinforced concrete foundations, basements, and retaining walls were constructed. Waterproofing, drainage boards, and perimeter drainage lines were used to protect the structures from ground moisture.

The superstructure was constructed using dry pine and oak timbers of suitable cross-sections, forming wooden frame walls, floor beams, and a roof system. The works were completed adhering to the axes, cross-sections, and traditional facade proportions specified in the project.

Reinforced Concrete Substructure

The foundation, retaining wall, basement, insulation, and drainage system were all constructed together.

Wooden Frame

The load-bearing wall and floor system was reconstructed using wooden elements that conformed to the project cross-sections.

Roofing System

The wooden roof was completed with cladding, insulation, tiles, and rainwater drainage details.

Implemented Practices

Traditional wooden structural details and contemporary functional requirements were addressed within the same project.

Not only the exterior of the buildings but also all their components, from the load-bearing system to the interior finishes, from the electrical and mechanical infrastructure to the open space arrangement, have been completed.

Documentation, sorting, and controlled dismantling of existing structural elements.
Excavation, ground preparation, reinforced concrete foundation, basement and retaining wall construction.
Waterproofing, drainage boards, and perimeter drainage systems.
Pine and oak timber frame wall and floor system.
Wooden roof, cladding, insulation and tile covering.
Solid wood guillotine windows, doors, frames and baseboards.
Embossed facade claddings and protective wood applications.
Wooden stairs, railings and profiled ceiling coverings.
Wooden floors, tile and stone coverings
Electrical, low-voltage, fire detection, and mechanical installations.
Courtyard, stone wall, pedestrian surfaces, landscaping and environmental design.
Joinery, metalwork, painting, and finishing touches.

Completed Buildings

The Meşruta buildings were reintegrated into the historical fabric of the Selimiye Mosque and its surroundings with a measured architectural integrity.

The white, ornate facades, traditionally proportioned wooden window frames, tiled roofs, stone walls, and courtyard design were all considered together. The relationship of the building group with the different street levels was preserved, addressing access, open space, and service needs.

Selimiye Meşrutaları genel görünüm — Street facade and completed building group

Selimiye Meşrutaları yerleşke görünümü — The integrity established with the surroundings of Selimiye Mosque

Selimiye Meşrutaları avlu ve cepheler — Courtyard, stone walls and wooden facades

Selimiye Meşrutaları arka cephe — Seascape and traditional joinery

Interior Design and Woodwork

Wooden floors, profiled ceilings, stairs, and window frames created a simple and consistent interior design language.

Inside, wooden flooring and baseboards, profiled ceiling coverings, solid wood doors, window frames, stairs, and railings were completed in accordance with the project details. Plumbing and electrical installations were designed in a way that does not detract from the historical character of the building.

Selimiye Meşrutaları tamamlanan iç mekân — Wooden flooring and profiled ceiling

Selimiye Meşrutaları ahşap merdiven — Wooden stairs and railing

Selimiye Meşrutaları tavan ve hol — Ceiling, tile flooring and interior joinery

Selimiye Meşrutaları ahşap döşeme karkası — Construction phase of the floor and wall frame.

Conclusion

The dilapidated annexes of the Selimiye Mosque have been restored and brought back into use as a safe and functional group of structures.

The project brought together reinforced concrete infrastructure, traditional timber frame, roof and facade systems, skilled woodworking, plumbing, and landscaping within a single organization.

The Selimiye Mosque Annexes are one of Taksim Yapı's important references, demonstrating its ability to holistically manage the processes of documentation, controlled dismantling, reconstruction, and fine craftsmanship in historical wooden structures.

Selimiye Camii Meşrutaları restorasyon sonucu

Experience in restoration and reconstruction of historical wooden structures.

Taksim Yapı approaches the preservation of the original architectural character by integrating it with the disciplines of structural systems, materials, installations, and site management.