Exemplar restoration of a timber house in Zeyrek, Istanbul

Technical Assistance funding was applied for and successfully obtained from the World Heritage Fund to carry out an exemplar restoration of an early-19th-century timber house in the Zeyrek core area of the Historic areas of Istanbul World Heritage Site.
Work included preparation of detailed repair specifications and supervision of the works. The World Heritage Committee has expressed continuing concern over the demolition of historic timber houses in Zeyrek and provided funds to show the ease and economy with which they can be restored.Support was provided to the Turkish Timber Association to develop procedures to continue the process within the context of the UNESCO-supported “Save Our Roofs” Campaign and the Association obtained sponsorship to restore the adjacent house.

Client: ICOMOS Turkey.