Re-use of historic buildings in North Cyprus

Abstract

Buildings are the living organisms that are affected by the rapid changes of the world. If they lose their functions or are not maintained, they can die. However, it is possible to re-use these historic buildings according to the changing conditions of contemporary life with the help of technology. In this way, it can be possible to preserve and revitalize the historic witnesses to provide references for further designs. Cyprus is an island at the crossroads of three continents; Europe, Asia and Africa. Thus, the island has achieved combining different cultures in its body and reflecting them in its architecture. Its rich architectural heritage has been composed layer by layer as the history moved from century to century. There are lots of monuments from different periods that were rehabilitated and used for various functions. On this basis, the aim of the study is to discuss re-use of the historic buildings in Northern Cyprus. The argument of the study is presented in two sections. Firstly, different architectural periods are discussed with their specific examples, which have been converted into new uses. This creates a base and presents the general structure of its architectural heritage. It starts with the beginning of the Roman Period (58 BC-330AD) and comes until the end of British Period (1878-1960). Then, related to the first stage, the general re-use strategies and processes are presented.