THE ROLE OF CULTURAL INVENTORY IN DEFINITION OF URBAN IDENTITY: BITLIS CIVIL ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

Aim: Cultural, social and natural values that cities have, shape urban identity. It is of great importance that these original physical and intangible values from the past is preserved , so thatthis identity remains sustainable. Buildings and historical sites that have witnessed the different periods of the city, take priority in their lives as part of the urban life. The historical, aesthetic and artistic characteristics that our cities have and the architectural and local identities that have formed over time should be taken as basis in the transformation and urban renewal plans and projects formed by the state-determined planning policies. In this respect, documentation of building inventories have vital importance in preservation of the city of Bitlis. Method: Within this study, the inventory study of Bitlis civil architecture that was made between 1987-89, have been reexamined and the weaknesses have been determined. Results: Within the scope of this study, inventories of the 70 historical houses in Atatürk, Zeydan and Müştakbaba districts, have been updated.In addition to inventory studies, the necessity of documentation and surveys has also been established, and there have been determinations that could be examples of urban degradation that could occur in cases where planimetic studies were not applied. Conclusion: It is aimed to introduce the general characteristics of the traditional architectural heritage which can guide the planning studies to be done in the region and regain the identity of the city by examining the change in the last 25 years. Especially considering the qualified historical buildings in the Atatürk district that has not been declared as an urban protection site, the result of evaluating this region as an urban protection site has been revealed.