Temporary Protection System
The structure was constructed under a temporary roof system to protect it from precipitation and atmospheric effects during the construction period.
Restoration, Strengthening and Conservation
Old Imaret-i Atik Mosque
The building's structural system, original stone and brickwork, domes and vaults, roof, and decorated interior surfaces are all addressed with a holistic conservation approach.
EmployerIstanbul Foundations 1st Regional Directorate
LocationIstanbul, Fatih
Type of JobRestoration, Strengthening and Conservation Applications
Period2022 - Ongoing
SituationOngoing
History and Architectural Significance
One of Istanbul's distinguished monumental structures dating from the Middle Byzantine period to the present day.
The Old Imaret-i Atik Mosque is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, within the historical urban fabric surrounding Zeyrek. The widely accepted view is that the building was the church of the Christos Pantepoptes Monastery, built in the late 11th century during the Komnenos period.
After the conquest of Istanbul, the building was converted into a mosque, and the surrounding monastic units were associated with the imaret (soup kitchen) function of the Fatih Complex. The name "Eski İmaret" (Old Imaret) derives from this historical usage. The structure, with its alternating brick and stone masonry, dynamic facade design, and dome and vault system, carries the architectural character of its period to the present day.
The primary goal of the project is to preserve the historical layers and original materials of the structure while simultaneously ensuring structural safety, water management, and long-term continuity of use.
Prior to restoration, the building suffered from significant roof, material, and surface problems within the dense urban fabric surrounding it.
Current Situation and Documentation
Intervention decisions were developed by examining the building's original structure and period characteristics.
Prior to the implementation, deteriorations in the roof, domes, vaults, body walls, and interior surfaces were documented to identify areas for intervention. Every unique detail uncovered during the studies provided data for re-evaluating the implementation decisions.
Moisture and Surface Problems
Excessive humidity, plaster loss, and discoloration observed in interior spaces were meticulously documented prior to intervention.
Measurement and Documentation
Measurement and documentation studies carried out on the dome and vault surfaces formed the basis for determining the repair boundaries.
Application Approach
A multidisciplinary intervention, from the load-bearing system to the roof covering, from brickwork to decorative surfaces.
In the Old Imaret-i Atik Mosque, foundation and ground reinforcement, stone and brick masonry repairs, joint and plaster applications, dome and vault conservation, roof insulation, and roof covering are being carried out within the same conservation program.
The project prioritizes preserving the original materials to the highest possible extent, using compatible materials in missing or damaged areas, and ensuring that every intervention adheres to the principles of reversibility and legibility.
01Reinforcement applications for foundation and ground safety.
02Decay, completion, and joint repair in alternating stone and brick walls.
03Conservation of the original masonry in domes, vaults and arches.
04Roof insulation, tile covering, and water drainage arrangements.
Stone and Brick Conservation
The historical structure of the building was reinforced through targeted and controlled interventions.
Damaged joints were cleaned, and loose and missing bricks were repaired, taking into account the original masonry pattern. The stone-brick surfaces on the facade and roof were treated with mortars compatible with the existing material.
Brick Finishing
In the damaged areas, brick repair and completion applications were carried out while preserving the brickwork character.
Joint Repair
Damaged joints were cleaned in a controlled manner and renewed with mortars compatible with the original texture.
Masonry Surface Protection
Material losses on the arch, pulley, and wall surfaces were repaired with targeted interventions.
Dome and Canopy
The original dome geometry was preserved while the insulation and tile cladding system were renewed.
Cleaning, repair, and strengthening of the masonry were carried out on the dome and vault surfaces. After ensuring watertightness in the roof covering, the main dome and surrounding roof surfaces were finished with traditional tile cladding.
BEFORE RESTORATION
CURRENT SITUATION
Tile cladding application carried out on the main dome and the surrounding roof system.
App Gallery
Selected images from documentation, conservation, and covering applications.
