Restoration or demolition? Historic Cevher Ağa Mosque razed to the ground!

Another of Istanbul's important historical heritages has fallen victim to "renovation." The Cevher Ağa Mosque, located on Alemdağ Street in Ümraniye and one of the works from the late Ottoman period, was razed to the ground with heavy machinery following work initiated by the Ümraniye Municipality. The complete destruction of the structure, violating the fundamental principle of restoration which is "preserving and improving the existing," has brought the historical awareness of conservation boards and the municipality into question.

MUNICIPALITY DEFENDS ITSELF WITH "CAPACITY INCREASE"

Following the intense backlash, the Ümraniye Municipality issued a statement. Defining the demolition as a process of "coming back to life," the municipality announced that a new structure that will meet modern needs will be built in place of the mosque. The text shared on the municipality's official website included the following statements:

"The historic Cevherağa Mosque, one of the iconic structures of Ümraniye, is coming back to life with restoration work in accordance with its original form. When completed, the mosque, whose capacity has been increased, whose historical texture has been preserved, and which is supported by a library and reading rooms, will become a multi-faceted center... that responds to the density of Alemdağ Street."

HOW IS HISTORICAL TEXTURE PRESERVED BY "DEMOLISHING" IT?

The phrase "historical texture preserved" in the municipality's statement was met as a complete example of irony. Experts and history enthusiasts point out that a "copy" to be built of reinforced concrete after completely demolishing a building will not carry the status of a historical artifact.

The Issue of Registered Artifacts: The demolition of a registered structure without even preserving its walls is criticized as a "revival" (reconstruction) project that is contrary to conservation law.

Functional Priority: While the goal is to expand the mosque with social facilities such as a library and reading room, the sacrifice of the "historical experience," which is the true value, is met with public backlash.

"MODERN MOSQUES CAN BE BUILT ANYWHERE, HISTORY DOES NOT COME BACK"

Voices rising on social media and among the local public unite on a single point: "If there is a need, build a new mosque next to it; why are you demolishing a centuries-old mosque?" The destruction of a historical artifact under the guise of "capacity increase" with the excuse of responding to the crowds of Alemdağ Street has once again revealed how problematic the understanding of restoration is in Turkey. The legacy of Cevher Agha will no longer be remembered as a historical artifact, but as an "original-compliant" copy of a modern construction project.

News Source: 12punto