The First Mass Housing Project in the Ottoman Empire

Moreover, this place also had an important feature: The first mass housing building in the Ottoman period to be an example.

In our country today public housing buildings Even if we think that it is just beginning to form, this would be a big mistake. Because its foundations date back centuries.

Today, mass housing is built by TOKİ, which was founded in 1984.

Although we think that this project was started in the 20th century, it actually dates back to the past. Public housing buildings date back to 1875. Row Houses built in Istanbul during the Ottoman Period were the most striking structures of that period.

During the reign of Sultan AbdulazizRow Houses, completed in 1875, were designed by Sarkis Balyan, the famous architect of the period. Sıraevler, the state’s first mass housing project, emerged to accommodate the growing population of Istanbul at that time and to provide solutions to their needs.

The literal meaning of Akaret was “rental-generating property”.

This name was a detail that emphasized the history and importance of the district. The architecture and concept of this district also shed light on the urbanism approach of the period. These structures designed by BalyanWhile it bears traces of typical Ottoman architecture; It was also planned to support a modern residential life.

The apartments, each of different sizes and arrangements, accommodated people from various social classes. These are just It was not just housing, it was also a social transformation.

Today, this place reflects the social fabric of Istanbul.

These buildings, which have been revitalized through restoration works, continue their existence with respect for the past within the modernization of the city. Moreover, become a tourist attraction It became a spot that attracted the attention of visitors.

Here, It consisted of 133 residences. Residences ranging between 180 and 220 square meters are generally similar to each other.

So why was public housing needed?

This project was built to meet the housing needs of palace employees during the Ottoman Empire. Some sources indicate that some of the houses are rented out and even rental income is In the construction of Aziziye Mosque It says it is planned to be used.

Among these tenants Mustafa Kemal Atatürk There are also names we know like. He, his mother and his sister lived in house number 76 of Sıraevler for a while.

These structures, which have become a tourist attraction today, have been restored to their former glory. Right now Ownership belongs to the General Directorate of Foundations This building is rented to a holding company and serves as a hotel complex.

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