Listed building

A listed building (in Turkey, a tescilli yapı) is one that has been officially registered as an immovable cultural asset that must be protected. In Turkey the decision is made by the regional conservation council under the cultural and natural heritage legislation. An Ottoman mansion, an early Republican school, a fountain or an old inn can all be listed, and the listing is also noted on the title deed.

What listing means

Any intervention on a listed building needs approval. Minor repair, major repair, restoration and change of use all proceed on drawings the council has approved. These are typically prepared in three stages: a measured survey recording the current state, a restitution study tracing the building’s original form, and a restoration project describing the proposed work.

Principles in practice

• Original materials and techniques are kept wherever possible.
• New additions should be distinguishable from the historic fabric.
• The immediate surroundings may also be affected by protection decisions.

Visualization is a useful tool here, helping councils, owners and the public understand restitution proposals and the building’s state after restoration. For a broader look, read our article on heritage conservation and restoration.