The historic heart of Istanbul is undergoing a remarkable transformation as the Fatih Municipality continues its comprehensive facade rehabilitation project across Büyük Karaman Street and its surrounding areas. Designed not only to renew building exteriors but to revitalize the social and economic fabric of the district, the project exemplifies a model of urban conservation rooted in scientific precision and respect for historical context.
According to an official statement from the municipality, this ongoing initiative is far more than a cosmetic facelift. It seeks to preserve the district’s architectural identity, enhance public life, and stimulate local commerce—all while ensuring that the neighborhood retains its historical charm.
Scientific Restoration, Building by Building
Every building included in the project is assessed individually based on its unique architectural character. The restoration process begins with laser-scanned digital surveys that produce detailed facade drawings (rölöves), allowing experts to plan each intervention on a scientifically grounded basis.
Color selection, a key aesthetic decision, is made through a method called raspa—a scraping technique used to uncover the building’s original layers of paint and finish. This method ensures historical accuracy and authenticity.
To date, 27 of 62 structures have undergone full exterior restoration, while work continues on the remaining properties.
A Project Beyond Facades
Fatih Mayor Mehmet Ergün Turan emphasized that this is not merely an architectural beautification effort. Instead, the municipality aims to revive the soul and memory of the city, creating a balanced approach that respects both the past and the needs of the present day.
“Our goal is to carry this unique district, steeped in history, into the future without compromising its architectural identity, while also responding to the needs of modern life,” said Turan.
He added that the Büyük Karaman Street project is breathing new life into the city’s aesthetics and historical continuity, ensuring that its streets tell stories, not just provide shelter.
Community Impact and Economic Revitalization
The project is already having a positive impact on residents and business owners in the district. Enhanced facades are contributing to improved quality of life, while also attracting greater foot traffic and economic vitality for local merchants.
Many shops and cafés in the area report increased customer interest since restoration began, a testament to how heritage conservation can also act as an economic catalyst.
A Model for Urban Heritage Conservation
This initiative places Fatih among the growing number of global cities pursuing context-sensitive urban renewal. Rather than replacing old with new, the project preserves historical layers while ensuring buildings are safe, sustainable, and visually compelling.
By incorporating modern surveying technologies like laser scanning and combining them with traditional restoration techniques, Fatih Municipality is setting a new standard for urban heritage management in Türkiye.
Legacy and Livability
As work progresses on the remaining buildings, the municipality aims to extend similar initiatives to other parts of the district, fostering a more holistic sense of place across Fatih.
The Büyük Karaman Street project offers a compelling example of how historical architecture, if nurtured properly, can be woven into the living fabric of a modern city—not just as relics of the past, but as foundations for the future.
