Palimpsest Mekânların Algı ve Kültürel Bellek Üzerinden Kiliseden Dönüştürülen Camiler Örneğinde İncelenmesi: Ayasofya Camii

Abstract

The concept of palimpsest emerged within the discipline of literature but has become a metaphor used to describe multi-layered formations over time. The foundation of the spatial counterpart of this metaphor lies in transformations. Transformations experienced in a space for various reasons throughout the historical process have led to the layering of the space and, like in a palimpsest text, have caused it to carry traces of old uses, thus reaching the present day. The reminder of different uses over time through the traces in the space is particularly associated with cultural memory for palimpsest spaces. It has been observed in literature studies that cultural memory plays a significant role in the perception of space. In this sense, the structure of the research is established based on palimpsest spaces, cultural memory, and spatial perception. While there are studies on these concepts in the literature, no study has been found that examines the relationship between them. Therefore, it is expected to make a significant contribution to the literature. Mosques converted from churches are among the important building types that exemplify the use of cultural memory during the experience. At the same time, with the use of different cultures in religious terms, the building becomes layered and exhibits palimpsestic characteristics. With these qualities, the structure of the research has been examined through mosques converted from churches. The aim of the research is to establish the relationship between cultural memory and the perception of palimpsest space. The hypothesis of the research is that the spatial perception of individuals who experience church-mosques, which are products of significant socio-cultural accumulation, is shaped in line with this relationship. It is also predicted that the value given to the space increases with palimpsestic characteristics. For the questioning of the hypothesis determined in this direction, Hagia Sophia Mosque was chosen as an example within the scope of the research. The qualitative research method, structured with semi-structured interviews, was evaluated, and the results obtained were seen to support the hypothesis.