Spatial Continuum in History: Pier Buildings on the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, Istanbul

Abstract

Pier buildings along the coastline of Istanbul City, an ancient city surrounded by the sea on three sides, serve not only as vital transportation nodes but also as hubs for cultural and social life. As an embodiment of their respective topography and culture with distinctive characteristics in terms of location and architecture, the historical pier buildings are incorporated into the social, cultural, and historical fabric of the city. It is important to protect and preserve these buildings and develop sustainable tourism policies for sustainable cultural heritage management. Accordingly, the present study investigated 36 pier buildings in Istanbul using a comprehensive map analysis and on-site discovery. The study results suggested that these buildings preserved their authentic identities and spatial continuum, despite several renovations over time. Today, some of the pier buildings in Istanbul have additional functions, including serving as cafes, libraries, and sightseeing spots along with their transportation functions, contributing to the reinforcement of social interaction and social ties. The study results helped suggest key inferences on how these buildings should be preserved and carried into the future in the scope of urban planning.