Exploring Theoretical and Practical Shifts in Post-Venice Charter Conservation Perspective Through Reuse of Istanbul’s Industrial Heritage

The perpetually changing discipline of conservation creates its own field of action within the bounds of certain theoretical anchor points. One of the most prevailing expressions of this quest for a universal common ground that reflects the spirit of its time, is undoubtedly the Venice Charter, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The passing of time has revealed its stabilizing and enduring influence, while also prompting numerous discussions about its adequacy, timeliness, and validity, as well as the expanding potentials that the change being encountered may present. This study, therefore, aims to analyze the theoretical and practical shifts in post-Venice Charter conservation perspective through reuse of Istanbul’s industrial heritage. Focusing on a rather theoretically post-Venetian concept, and conjunctly, the prominent industrial complexes of the city, the study is carried out in two stages. The first stage exhibits the evolving perspective by meticulously examining the constituent dimensions of conservation theory in doctrinal documents. Subsequently, the on-the-field demeanour of the post-Venice Charter perspective is discussed through recent practices. By this means, the contemporary whereabouts of both theory and practice is explored comparatively to capture a greater context while also framing relatively more current concepts and approaches to conservation.