Robert oerley and Tuzla mineral springs

Abstract

In the Tuzla borough of İstanbul are located mineral springs of great importance which have been known and used since ancient times. Although the therapeutic value of Tuzla Mineral Springs has always been recognized, this value in terms of the history of architecture has not been very well understood. The current facilities in the springs were built in the Republican Period. The most important among them is the Spa Hotel, whose project was initiated by Robert Oerley. The other facilities include the management building, restaurant, watchman’s booths, springhouses, cafeteria, wooden porch, small hotel, bungalows and toilets. These buildings have survived because their original functions were retained. The Tuzla Mineral Springs Thermal Center has a significant value both in terms of history and architecture due to its mineral water potential due to the minerals it contains. However, the fact that it has not been adequately appraised has led to it being selected as the subject of this study. The objective is to expose the currently unknown architectural and cultural significance of Tuzla Mineral Springs. Therefore, the current situation of the formation period and process – the green fabric and the existing buildings – as well as its architectural characteristics and importance have been determined. Hence, those things that were and have still to be done architecturally for the sustainability of the Tuzla Mineral Springs area that is now in the form of two disconnected sections, namely the Great and Lesser Springs, in terms of its contributions to health and to the country’s economy are here under scrutiny.