The Intersection of History and Nature: The Transformation of Cebeci Asri Cemetery as Urban Open Space

Abstract

Today, cemeteries are gaining importance as potential open spaces due to the growth of cities and the increase in construction densities. Especially old cemeteries that have completed their function can be integrated into urban life as open-green spaces. Cebeci Asri Cemetery is an old cemetery that has completed its function as a burial space. As the first modern cemetery in the history of the Republic and an architectural competition project, it is an important area with cultural, social and historical value. Important bureaucrats of the Republican era, many poets, writers, journalists and artists who shaped society rest in this cemetery. It is also one of the limited number of green areas in the city. The purpose of this article is to develop a landscape-focused integration model that addresses spatial re-functionalization and digitally supported cultural route design at Cebeci Asri Cemetery. The cemetery area was evaluated as an open-air museum and a cultural route covering important figures of the history of the Republic was created. A mobile application was also developed for the culture route. Original structures such as ossuaries and namazgahs, which are inactive and vacant in the area, were also evaluated in this context and included in the usage scenario. As a result, this study presents an alternative approach for the urbanization of an old cemetery isolated from the city. Although they are early structures, solutions have been developed to preserve the namazgah and ossuary structures and transfer them to the future. It is envisaged that this study will create an idea/guide for urban administrations.