Ongoing Project
Şeyh Zengi Tekkesi Reconstruction
Mahmutpaşa's lost cultural heritage is being revived by preserving its original masonry remains and combining the traditional wooden construction with contemporary engineering details.
Restoration of cultural heritage
Holistic approach, extending from the original remains to the wooden frame.
The work being carried out on the Şeyh Zengi, also known as Baba Ali Tekke, located at plot 323, parcel 3 in the Mahmutpaşa neighborhood of Fatih district, is not merely about reconstructing a lost structure. The project is based on uncovering the historical traces on the plot using scientific methods, preserving and strengthening the original foundation and wall remnants, and properly integrating them with the new structure.
The reconstruction's load-bearing system is constructed from first-class pine timber, comprising a wooden frame, lintels, and roof elements. This traditional material character is complemented by cost-effective steel connections and contemporary waterproofing layers.
Application approach
Three main layers of protection
Scientific excavation and documentation
Through meticulous excavation conducted under the museum's management, foundation traces and masonry remains were uncovered, and the boundaries of the project were verified on-site.
Strengthening of masonry remains
Hydraulic lime injection, joint renewal, basalt reinforcement, reinforcement mesh, and stainless steel connections were used together.
Wooden frame reconstruction
The frame, beams, lintels, and roof system were constructed from pine timber, and the joints were secured with steel plates, angle irons, and fully threaded screws.
Wooden support system
Traditional design, carefully considered connection details.
The vertical and horizontal supports, cross braces, and roof trusses of the wooden structure are assembled on-site according to the project dimensions. For structural continuity and seismic behavior, the wooden joints are reinforced with invisible or controlled metal fasteners.
- Wooden frame, lintel and beams made of first-class pine timber.
- Laminated wood elements in curved sections.
- Fully threaded wood screws, corner brackets, and perforated sheets.
- Baghdadi lath, natural hydraulic lime-based plaster and traditional surface layers.
Application process
Details selected from the construction site.
Main products
Technical scope of reconstruction
Archaeological site and original remains
Scientific excavation, careful dismantling, removal of modern elements, and documentation and preservation of original foundation and wall traces.
Masonry conservation and strengthening.
Joint opening and renewal, hydraulic lime injection, basalt rod, reinforcement mesh and stainless steel connection applications.
Base and insulation layers
Crushed stone fill, reinforcement and reinforced concrete foundation, vapor-permeable membrane between the original remains and the new layer, and bituminous waterproofing.
Wooden frame and traditional roof
Pine timber supports, lintels and beams, laminated elements, lath, lime plaster, wooden roofing, tiles, and titanium zinc details.
Another lost artifact is returning to Istanbul's memory.
Taksim Yapı is restoring the Sheikh Zengi Tekke with a holistic approach that preserves its original features and combines traditional material knowledge with engineering discipline.