Erzurum-Hacı Bekirzade House Architectural Features and Conservation Problems

Hacı Bekirzade House, built at the beginning of the 20th century and also known as Fizyo Baba Mansion, has an extraordinary place among traditional Erzurum houses with its meticulous stone workmanship on the eastern façade, plan organization and bath. Two large stoves in the building located in Erzincan Kapı, one of the historical regions of Erzurum, continue their traces as living witnesses of Erzurum's war history. As a matter of fact, it is known that during the occupation of Erzurum by the Russians in 1916, the building was used as the Russian headquarters for a while. Therefore, Hacı Bekirzade House is one of the cultural assets that should be protected and transferred to future generations with its architectural and historical value. Although some maintenance and repair works were carried out from time to time in the building, which was used as a residence from generation to generation until it was purchased as the headquarters building of a political party in 2024, it has many preservation problems, from structural problems to material problems. The destruction of the wooden ceiling coverings and the decay of the main load-bearing beams as a result of the water problem coming from the roof of the main room, one of the most spectacular spaces of the building, are among the most important structural damages. In addition to material losses and deteriorations in stones, joints and wood, changes observed from the spatial scale to the architectural element scale damage the original architectural character of the building. In this context, in order to understand the conservation problems of Hacıbekirzade House, firstly the architectural features of the building; It will be examined under the headings of plan organization, facade layout, materials and construction techniques. Then, the damage and deterioration of the structure will be analyzed together with their reasons, and the possible consequences that may arise if precautions are not taken will be discussed.