Mapping as a Tool for Revealing Collective Memory: The Case of Yeniköy, Istanbul

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15320/ICONARP.2026.362

Keywords:

Collective urban memory, Intangible heritage, Places of memory, Yeniköy

Abstract

The significance of intangible values in the holistic preservation of architectural heritage has been widely recognized in the recent literature.  Since both individual and collective memory are intrinsically linked to place, memory studies have become indispensable tools in interpreting and understanding intangible values in architectural conservation. While historical sites and structures are valued as repositories of memory, they become subject to preservation over time. In this context, documenting memory elements and enhancing their visibility through mapping contributes to a more holistic preservation approach. This study conceptualizes "memory" as an "intangible" phenomenon, elucidates the scientific methods employed to investigate it, and offers recommendations for selecting appropriate methods in alignment with the future research objectives. To emphasize the importance of methodological selection and to observe the applicability of the tools, historical urban landscape of Yeniköy was selected as a case study, exploring whether historical places concurrently function as sites of memory. Consequently, the neighborhood's memory sites were identified, and thematic memory maps were generated. Briefly, the study analyzes methods for revealing collective memory visible within the framework of documenting the relationship between historical spaces and user memory while evaluating the role of its representation in architectural discourse within the overarching conservation process.

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Author Biographies

Neslihan Koçhan, Mimar Sinan Güzel Sanatlar Üniversitesi

Neslihan Koçhan is an architect and a PhD candidate at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, specializing in Heritage Conservation and Restoration. Having completed her master’s degree at the same institution, her academic research is complemented by extensive field experience as a project manager in restoration, with a particular focus on industrial heritage sites and palatial complexes. Her research interests encompass social memory, the intangible values of historic sites, and their integration into architectural conservation methodologies.

Koray Güler, Mimar Sinan Güzel Sanatlar Üniversitesi

Koray Güler got his master’s and PhD degrees from the Istanbul Technical University Restoration Program. Güler was a guest researcher in Germany between 2015-2016 with a scholarship from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK). He has continued his academic studies at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Department of Architecture since 2012. Currently, he has been working as an Associate Professor and gives lectures at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Güler continues his research on topics such as conservation theory, cultural landscapes, historical rural settlements, traditional construction techniques, wooden architectural heritage, intangible cultural heritage, and the preservation of modern architectural heritage. Güler is the Secretary General of ICOMOS Türkiye National Committee and a board member of Chamber of the Architects of Türkiye Istanbul Metropolitan Branch since 2024. He is also an expert member of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Vernacular Architecture (CIAV).

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Published

30-06-2026

How to Cite

Koçhan, N., & Güler, K. (2026). Mapping as a Tool for Revealing Collective Memory: The Case of Yeniköy, Istanbul. ICONARP International Journal of Architecture and Planning, 14(1), 286–312. https://doi.org/10.15320/ICONARP.2026.362

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026)

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Articles

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