YÜCEL, GÜL1; ASLAN, SEVİM2

1) Architect, PhD., Istanbul, Turkey, gul@gulyucel.com

2) Architect, M.Sc., DS Architects Restoration Landscape Design Ltd.,Istanbul, Turkey, sevim@dsmimarlik.com

Cisterns are seen as the structures that existed for the purpose of meeting the water needs of the structures like fountains, mosques, baths, and mansions. However, extremely large cisterns with great dimensions have met the water needs of cities in the past. Masonry construction is usual forming a single volume; rectangular plan and vault cover system. Its walls are formed of alternate stone and brick. Brickwork usually also forms the upper cover system of the vault. Its surface is generally without plaster, and its internal face is covered with waterproof khorasan plaster. The historical cisterns in Istanbul Üsküdar Beylerbeyi have been examined and a cistern which is still in good condition today but functionless has been evaluated. Its lack of use, lack of necessary maintenance and the changes in environmental situations have accelerated the physical degradation in the structure.

Keywords: Cultural heritage, masonry building, water reservoir, Beylerbeyi