ABOUT US

Arzu Özsavaşcı Architecture Design Consultancy Company was established to carry out cultural and architectural heritage studies, to conduct research in the field of architectural history, and develop projects, along with architectural design and project studies. Regardless of scale and scope, professional and academic collaborations are a priority in all the subjects we work on and the work we do. For this reason, each project process is designed, maintained, and completed with the accompaniment of all team members and at the intersection of different disciplines.

Küçükyalı team
Küçükyalı team

COOPERATIONS, CONSULTANCY & TEAMMATES

Etüd Architecture (2007-ongoing)

KaleTakımı Seddülbahir (2004-ongoing)

Arkeopark Küçükyalı (2002-ongoing)

Solvotek Engineering International (2008-ongoing)

Ayşe Orbay Architecture (1999-ongoing)

Koop Architecture (2016-ongoing)

Museum Exhibition Works (2016-2023)

caps Studio (2016-2023)

1/X Design (2021)

Tekeli-Sisa Architecture (2014-2015)

Hayim Beraha Architecture (2009)

Landart Group (2007-2008)

Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu Design (2008)

Mono Architecture Design (2004-2011)

Atölye Architecture (2002-2009)

Tezyin Architecture (1999-2002)

D..S Architecture(1999-2001)

MP Design Architecture (1997-2000)

Usküdar Commemorating Mimar Sinan Competition
Usküdar Commemorating Mimar Sinan Competition

Lucienne Thys-Şenocak (Architectural Historian, Koç University, 2000-ongoing)

Prof.Dr. Rahmi Nurhan Çelik (Geomatics Engineer, 2000-ongoing)

Dr. Gülsün Tanyeli (Restoration Architect, İTÜ, 2005-ongoing)

Dr. Umut Almaç (Restoration Engineer, İTÜ, 2005-ongoing)

Dr. Ayşe Belgin (Architectural Historian, Bilkent University, 2008-ongoing)

Doç.Dr. Alessandra Ricci (Archaeologist, Koç University, 2002-ongoing)

Martine Assenat (Archaeologist, Université Paul Valéry & CNRS, 2020-2023)

Rabia Şengün (Restoration Engineer, Conservation Academy, 2016-2023)

AOMTD SiteLogo 2
Seddülbahir Fortress Restoration Application

Rana Nur Karataş (Architect, 2020-ongoing)

Yalçın Özçelik (Photographer & Web+SEO Designer, 2014-ongoing)

Canan Dağdelen (Artist, 2023-ongoing)

Canan Dağdelen Lâ Mekan Exhibition October 2023, Skydome 1
Canan Dağdelen Lâ Mekan Exhibition October 2023, Skydome 1

Selcan Eda Tekeşin (Restorer, 2024)

Beyza Demircioğlu (Restorer, 2024)

Talha Duman (Restorer, 2024)

Eda Arık (Architect, 2022)

Güllü Bozdoğan (Architect, 2021)

Zeynep Berra Kırbaşoğlu (Architect, 2020)

Kubilay Akkoyun (Architect, 2019)

Selen Sıla Çelik (Architect, 2014-2020)

Arzu Özsavaşcı 2023 Pergamon Asklepion
Arzu Özsavaşcı 2023 Pergamon Asklepion

Arzu Özsavaşçı graduated from the Department of Architecture at Istanbul Technical University, Türkiye in 1996, and completed her master’s degree in 1999 with the thesis titled “A Critical Outlook through the Formation Process of Taksim-Maçka Urban Green Area” prepared under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Günkut Akın at the Department of Architectural History at ITU.

She has worked on various projects in project offices, within the academy or independently since 1997. She has worked as an architect in academic projects and interdisciplinary teams, as well as in project offices. She gained expertise in surveying, documentation, conservation, archaeological excavation, and inventory studies, as well as restitution, restoration, and reuse projects.

She has worked in various contemporary architectural design projects and applications in domestic and international partnerships, from concept projects to implementation projects, from consultancy services to construction site control. Apart from this, she has participated in various symposiums and seminars regarding the projects she was involved in, and published joint articles with project teams.

Since 2019, she has been providing architecture, design, and consultancy services with her own company, primarily in cultural heritage and architectural history. Özsavaşcı is a member of the TMMOB Chamber of Architects Istanbul Metropolitan Branch.

Tax Office No: Üsküdar – 7040192140

TMMOB Chamber of Architects No: 26106

TMMOB Office Registration Certificate No: 34-8290

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC DUTIES

  • 2019-2024 Fall and Spring Terms / Maltepe University Vocational School Architectural Restoration Department Project Classes
  • 2019-2024 Fall and Spring Terms / Maltepe University Architecture and Design Faculty Architecture Department History of Architecture I – II Classes
  • Maltepe University Vocational School Architectural Restoration Department Consultancy Board Member
  • Tek-Esin Foundation Board of Directors Member

PROJECT JURIES

  • 2019-2024 / MEF University Gürol Çivi Architectural Project Atelier Jury Member
  • 2018 / MEF University Burcu S. Köknar Architectural Project Atelier Jury Member
  • 2018 / İTÜ Burçin Güngen Architectural Project Atelier Jury Member
  • 2015 / Pamukkale University Gözde Kan Architectural Project Atelier Jury Member
  • 2011-2014 / Kocaeli University Nurdan Kuban Architectural Project Atelier Jury Member

PUBLICATIONS

  • 2018 October / Özsavaşcı, A.,Şengün R., Thys-Şenocak L.,Çelik R.N., Tanyeli G., ÇATAB, “The History and Restoration of the Ottoman Fortress of Seddülbahir on the Gallipoli Peninsula”, Modern Age Fortifications of the Mediterranean Coast, Fortmed International Conference, October 18-20, Politecnico di Torino, Italy, 2018.
  • 2018 September / Özsavaşcı A., Deniz S., Yüksel Sayın B., “Bandırma’nın Unutulmuş Kışla Binaları Yenimahalle Semtindeki Askeri Alanda Tespit ve Restitüsyon Çalışmaları”, Uluslararası Bandırma ve Çevresi Sempozyumu (International Symposium Of Bandirma And Its Surroundings – UBS’18) September 17-19, Bandırma, Türkiye, 2018.
  • 2017 / Özsavaşcı, A.,Şengün R., Thys-Şenocak L.,Çelik R.N., Tanyeli G., ÇATAB, “Rölöve, Restitüsyon, Konservasyon Projelerinden Restorasyon Uygulaması ve Yeni Kullanım Sürecine Seddülbahir Kalesi 2016 Yılı Çalışmaları”, Kargir Yapılarda Koruma ve Onarım Semineri VIII, 2016 Bildiri Kitabı, İBB KUDEB Yayınları, sf: 246, İstanbul 2017.
  • 2016 October / Thys-Şenocak, L., Celik, R. N., Tanyeli G.,Özsavaşçı, A., “Destruction and Restoration on the Gallipoli Peninsula; The Ottoman Fortress of Seddülbahir”, ICOMOS AGA&ADCOM, 15-21 Ekim 2016, İstanbul, Türkiye.
  • 2015 October / Thys-Şenocak, L., Celik, R. N., Özsavaşçı, A., “Seddülbahir Kalesi Rölöve,
    Restitüsyon ve Konservasyon Projeleri: Araştırma Projesinden Konservasyon
    Uygulamasına Bir Akademik Projenin Hikayesi
    ”, TMMOB Mimarlar Odası 3.Ulusal Mimari Koruma Proje ve Uygulamaları Sempozyumu
    , 2-3 Ekim, Eskişehir, 2015.
  • 2011 / Thys-Şenocak, L., Celik, R. N., Tanyeli G.,Özsavaşçı, A., “Seddülbahir ve Kumkale’nin Öyküsü : İki Osmanlı Kalesinin Arşiv Belgeleri, Arkeolojik ve Sözlü Kaynaklarla Keşfi”, Gelenek, Kimlik, Birlesim Kültürel Kesismeler ve Sanat – Günsel Renda’ya Armagan / Tradition, Identity, Synthesis: Cultural Crossings and Art in Honor of Günsel Renda, Hacettepe Üniversitesi Edebiyat Fakültesi Yayinlari, 2011.
  • 2010 / Thys-Şenocak, L., Celik, R. N., Tanyeli G.,Özsavaşçı, A., “Understanding Archaeology and Architecture through Archival Records: The Restoration Project of the Ottoman Fortress of Seddülbahir on the Gallipoli Peninsula of Turkey”, The Frontiers of the Ottoman World: Fortifications, Trade, Pilgrimage and Slavery, ed. Andrew Peacock, (London: The British Academy, 2009) pp.189-209.
  • 2006 September / Thys-Şenocak, L.,Özsavaşçı, A., “New Survey Technologies in Multi-disciplinary Architectural Heritage Documentation and Project Process: The Role of the Architect and the Analysis of the Interdisciplinary Approach”, Documentation for Conservation and Development: New Heritage Strategies for the Future, Forum UNESCO – University and Heritage 11th International Seminar, Florence, Italy, September 11-16.
  • 2005 April / Thys-Şenocak, L., Özsavaşçı, A. “A Cultural Heritage Site on the Gallipoli Peninsula of Turkey: The Restoration of the Ottoman Fortress at Seddulbahir”, Cultural Landscapes in the 21st Century, Forum UNESCO – University and Heritage 10th International Seminar, Newcastle upon Tyne-UK, April 11-16.
  • 2004 May / Ricci, A., Özsavaşçı, A. “Research in the Asian Suburbs of Istanbul: Samandıra and Küçükyalı”, The 26th International Symposium of Excavations, Surveys and Archaeometry, Konya-Turkey, May 24-28.
  • 2002 November / Güney, C., Özsavaşçı, A., Özöner, B., Thys-Şenocak, L., Çelik, R. N. “Virtual 3D GIS Application at the Ottoman Fortresses on the Dardanelles”, World Heritage Management Mapping: GIS & Multimedia, Alexandria, Egypt, October 21-23.

PRESENTATIONS / CERTIFICATES

  • 2023 September / TMMOB Mimarlar Odası 7. Ulusal Mimari Koruma Proje ve Uygulamaları Sempozyumu, September 22-23, İstanbul, Türkiye.
  • 2018 October / Modern Age Fortifications of the Mediterranean Coast,
    Fortmed International Conference
    , October 18-20, Politecnico di Torino, Torino-Italy.
  • 2018 September / International Symposium of Bandirma And Its Surroundings – UBS’18, September 17-19, Bandırma, Türkiye.
  • 2017 December / ICOMOS 19th AGA&ADCOM, December 11-15, New Delhi-İndia.
  • 2016 December / İBB Kudeb Kargir Yapılarda Koruma ve Onarım Semineri VIII, December 6-7, İstanbul, Türkiye.
  • 2016 October / ICOMOS 18th AGA&ADCOM, October 15-21, İstanbul, Türkiye.
  • 2015 October / TMMOB Mimarlar Odası 3.Ulusal Mimari Koruma Proje ve Uygulamaları Sempozyumu, October 2-3, Eskişehir, Türkiye.
  • 2009 October / CIPA 2009 XXII. International Symposium, “Digital Documentation, Interpretation & Presentation of Cultural Heritage”, October 11-15, Kyoto-Japan.
  • 2007 October / CIPA 2007 XXI. International Symposium, “Anticipating the future of the cultural past”, October 1-6, Athens-Greece.
  • 2007 May / Building Conservation Masterclasses (BCMs), Conservation and Repair of Masonry Ruins, Continuous Professional Development Certificate Program, West Dean College, May 8-11, Chichester-UK.
  • 2006 December / Building Conservation Masterclasses (BCMs), The Historic Interior: Commissioning and Managing Conservation Research, Continuous Professional Development Certificate Program, West Dean College, December 4-6, Chichester-UK.
  • 2006 November / CCLRC+AHRC, Looking Forward to the Past: Science and Heritage, November 28, London-UK.
  • 2006 September / Forum UNESCO – University and Heritage 11th International Seminar, September 11-16, Florence – Italy.
  • 2006 May / The Europa Nostra Annual Congress, May 19, St.Julians-Malta.
  • 2005 September / CIPA 2005 XX. International Symposium, “International Cooperation to Save the World’s Cultural Heritage”, September 26-October 1, Torino-Italy.
  • 2005 April / Forum UNESCO – University and Heritage 10th International Seminar, April 11-16, Newcastle upon Tyne-UK.
  • 2004 May / The 26th International Symposium of Excavations, Surveys and Archaeometry, May 24-28, Konya-Turkey.
  • 2001 September / CIPA 2001 XVIII. International Symposium “Surveying and Documentation of Historic Buildings, Monuments, Sites; Traditional and Modern Methods”, Best Poster Award for “Hasanpaşa Gasworks” Project, September, 18-21, Berlin-Germany.

YOLLARDAN

Yollardan.com was designed in 2014 to bring together the photographs and writings we collected during our personal and professional travels into a digital portfolio. Over time, our website has evolved into a travel blog, a history inventory, and an architectural history anthology that glorifies cultural heritage.

Yollardan.com hosts an average of 1500 people daily with over 100 pages of original content and unique photographs. Our content is used by many individuals and institutions, especially students, in studies focused on cultural heritage for academic purposes.

This cultural heritage inventory is expanding and enriched with new content every day.

FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
PINTEREST

yollardan website
yollardan website

Seddülbahir Fortress Restoration Projects and Scientific Advisory Board Membership

Seddülbahir Detail Cannon
Seddülbahir Fortress 2024 Aerial Photo
Seddülbahir Fortress 2024 Aerial Photo

2015  September – 2023 March
Title: Seddülbahir Fortress Survey, Restitution, Restoration Projects Ownership and Restoration Application Consultancy (Scientific Advisory Board)
Partners: ABMA Restorasyon Turizm Ltd. Sti., Müze Sergi İşleri, Koop Architecture, caps Studio
Client: Directorate of Gallipoli Historic Site (ÇATAB)
Location: Seddülbahir, Çanakkale Team: Kaletakımı, Selin Gener Architecture, Solvotek, Koruma Akademisi, ABMA Seddülbahir Site Team, Müze Sergi İşleri, Koop Architecture

Seddülbahir Fortress, Bab-ı Kebir, copyright Egemen Karakaya

To examine the project >

Seddülbahir Kalesi

Seddülbahir Fortress opened its gates to visitors on March 18, 2023 !

Seddülbahir Fortress 2024 Seaview
Seddülbahir Fortress 2024 Seaview

Seddülbahir Castle was opened to visitors with a ceremony held on March 18, 2023.

Seddülbahir Fortress is situated at the southernmost tip of the Gallipoli Peninsula, at the entrance to the strait. Sedd-ül-Bahir, meaning the wall of the sea, is a 17th-century Ottoman fortress. Its construction started in 1658 under the auspices of IV. Mehmet’s mother, Hatice Turhan Sultan. Turhan Sultan is the first mother sultan to be a military building sponsor in Ottoman history. Seddülbahir protected the Aegean frontier of the Ottoman Empire until World War One (WWI), when it was bombarded by the Allied Forces and several of the towers, exterior walls and interior barracks of the fortress were reduced to ruins.

The fortress has been the subject of a comprehensive academic research project since 1997 and a documentation, restoration, and conservation project since 2004. Restoration works started in 2015. For the conservation and restoration, several different decisions have been made about how to document, conserve, restore and/or reconstruct different parts of the structure and site. The need to preserve evidence of past destruction was recognized as a crucial aspect of the interpretation of the site. The decision to conduct limited reconstruction in some parts of the fortress and to advocate for no reconstruction were also decisions informed by recent debates in critical heritage studies concerning authenticity and interpretive needs. More detailed information can be accessed from our academic publications presented on various national and international platforms and from the project and application content panels and videos to be placed in the castle in the coming days. I congratulate all my teammates who have worked hard in the 25 years.

The decisions on conservation and restoration are based on physical and scientific evidence but also a deep understanding of Seddülbahir’s “spirit of place”, in need to tell a rich variety of narratives about its past, from its establishment by an imperial Ottoman queen mother in the 17th century, to its destruction during WWI, to its role today as one of the most important historical monuments on the Gallipoli peninsula which is housing an exceptional museum.

All application details were discussed in more than 100 meetings with the participation of the Scientific Advisory Board, the supervision organization, and, if necessary, experts from different disciplines, and protection decisions were made and applications were carried out. The basic principle in restoration applications was to preserve the building sections as they are unless there was a structural necessity, a necessity for visitor safety, and situations that disrupted the architectural integrity. Since the start of the implementation in 2015, all steps and details have been presented as the subject of various publications and reports, and from time to time, experts and local people have been informed in the implementation field. Since 2019, the concept and implementation steps have taken shape, and the implementation has been completed by evolving into a refined integrity in the construction process involving competent teams in the field. In 2023, various installations have been added to the museum spaces with the participation of a curatorial group.

Re-use project is one of the most important steps of the project, which was selected as a result of an invited competition opened in 2017 with the aim of re-functioning the fortress. The main intention was the revitalization of the destroyed Bab-ı Kebir and the new museum building. In addition to these, the square in front of the fortress was designed, the primary school in the square was converted into a visitors center, new functions were given to historical spaces, and landscaping was designed.

In 2024, Seddülbahir Castle will be ready to be visited at full capacity after all implementation work is completed.

Commemorating Mimar Sinan in Üsküdar

Usküdar Commemorating Mimar Sinan Competition 2021
Usküdar Commemorating Mimar Sinan Competition 2021

We were awarded the equivalent 1st prize in the International Fine Arts Competition titled “Commemorating Mimar Sinan in Üsküdar” opened by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Cultural Heritage Department. We took part in the team established under the leadership of Urban Planner-Urban Designer İbrahim Alp, together with Urban Planner Julide Alp, Urban Planner Aliye Ceren Onur, and Architect Sena Miray Karakaş.

Usküdar Commemorating Mimar Sinan Competition Award List
Usküdar Commemorating Mimar Sinan Competition Award List

The area subject to the competition is the “Sinan Triangle” defined by the Şemsi Ahmet Paşa Mosque, Mihrimah Sultan İskele Mosque and Sinan Baths, known today as the Mimar Sinan Bazaar, in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul Province, and the areas in its immediate vicinity that are not subject to private property. The subject of the competition is the design to be made to commemorate Mimar Sinan within this area.

Usküdar Commemorating Mimar Sinan Competition
Usküdar Commemorating Mimar Sinan Competition

The main motivation of the project numbered 53 is; on the one hand, to repair and restore the physical-spatial organization of Üsküdar Square as a lost and exhausted place with limited, sustainable interventions, and on the other hand, to raise awareness of the works of Mimar Sinan, which are always remembered together with the built environment in which they are located, defining and transforming them, and to restore their reputation through the public space in which they are located.

Usküdar Commemorating Mimar Sinan Competition
Usküdar Commemorating Mimar Sinan Competition

For more information about the project please look at 1/X Design web page !