IN-PERSON London Heritages. Section A

Abstract

The Odunpazarı district in Eskişehir, originally settled in the 19th century, is characterized by its vernacular and modest wooden-frame structures that reflect the traditional architecture of the period. In the 21st century, the district has undergone a rapid transformation, driven by conservation efforts, new architectural projects, and musealization processes. These changes have redefined Odunpazarı as a cultural, commercial, and touristic hub, while simultaneously challenging its characteristics as being a heritage site. This paper examines the fragmented transformation of Odunpazarı through the lens of three interrelated themes—adaptation, transformation, and production—which serve as a framework to discuss diverse conservation interventions and their practical implications. Adaptation explores the conservation of remaining residential buildings that substantially maintain their original functions and physical characteristics, retaining continuity with the past. Transformation investigates adaptive reuse projects, such as “the Odunpazarı Houses’ Survival Project”, where historic houses were reused as museums or commercial spaces, often involving challenging interventions like facadism, reconstruction, or musealization. Production focuses on new architectural contributions, such as the Odunpazarı Modern Museum, which introduce up-to-date identities to the historic district while questioning their alignment with the local context. By exploring these case studies, the paper contributes to the broader discourse on heritage as both a site-specific practice and a theoretical construct. It critiques the tension between conservation and transformation while offering a guiding strategy to reconcile adaptation, transformation, and production. Ultimately, this study positions Odunpazarı as a microcosm of global debates on vernacular heritage, urban renewal, and new design solutions.