IN-PERSON London Heritages. Section A
Abstract
Nineteenth-century Greek Orthodox church inventories listed 68 churches in Istanbul, 58 of which were constructed during the 19th century, while the remaining structures date back to the Byzantine period. These buildings—repositories of cultural memory and architectural heritage—are increasingly endangered due to neglect and lack of maintenance. The deterioration is largely the result of the Greek Orthodox community’s population decline, following the 1923 Population Exchange Convention, the events of 6–7 September 1955, and subsequent civic unrest and sociopolitical upheaval (Alexandru, 1996). Today, both Greek Orthodox churches and schools—important examples of historic architecture—fall outside the scope of national heritage preservation legislation, meaning they lack formal conservation planning and regular upkeep. As their physical condition worsens and institutional/community support diminishes, their survival becomes increasingly uncertain. Yet, these structures remain vital, offering insight into a once-thriving cultural and religious community and continuing to serve local populations in various ways. This paper seeks to answer the central research question: How can we assess the importance and legacy of Greek Orthodox churches and schools in contemporary Istanbul, and what strategies can ensure their sustainable documentation, preservation, and environmental management? The study investigates community and expert perceptions of the historical significance of these buildings and explores participatory, community-led conservation approaches. Using the Kuzguncuk Aya Pandeleimon Church Foundation, Ayios Yeoryios Rum Ortodoxs Church Foundation, and Vlahsaray Panagia Foundation as case studies, the research employs primary data collection methods, including surveys and interviews with local community members, to develop inclusive, context-sensitive preservation strategies.
Emre Kishalı received his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Middle East Technical University in 2005 and his M.Sc. (2007) and Ph.D. (2011) in Architectural Engineering and Building Systems from Politecnico di Milano. Since 2012, he has been a faculty member in the Department of Architecture at Kocaeli University and was awarded the title of Associate Professor in 2020. His research focuses on the intersection of architecture and engineering, including conservation, sustainability, strengthening of historic buildings, thermal performance and planned conservation.
Gamal is trained as an architect and developed a career as an architectural and urban historian with research interest in anthropological and cultural interconnections of architecture as a profession, building practice and as an everyday way of life. His research focuses on architectural history and theory, architectural and urban heritage, architecture of home, socio-spatial practices of urban communities, museums of the future, virtual heritage technologies, and post-conflict cities. Gamal studied architecture and heritage in many parts of the world, with research projects in China, India, Egypt, Ireland, UK, Iraq, Jordan, Libya amongst many others.
Evangelia completed her undergraduate studies in Archaeology and Art History / Classical Archaeology at Istanbul University, Eva Şarlak pursued her master’s degree in Art History at Istanbul Technical University, where she also completed her Ph.D. in the Department of Art History. In 2006, she was awarded the title of Associate Professor in the field of Western Art and Contemporary Art, and in 2012, she was promoted to Professor. She currently teaches courses in the History of Art and Design, Mythology and Iconography, and European Iconography. Following her doctorate, she received a scholarship from the International Visitor Program and spent time in the United States, where she participated in restoration projects across various states. As the founding president of the Association for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, she has led and contributed to numerous projects and initiatives in the field.
2:15 pm - 3:45 pm
Wednesday 25th June, 2025