Assessing Public Perception in the Adaptive Reuse and Preservation of Historic Buildings: A Case Study of the Elbasan Bazaar Hammam

Involving the public in decision-making processes is crucial for successful management of heritage projects, as it promotes a sense of belonging and ensures that community needs are reflected in the treatment of historical buildings. This study examines the role of public participation in the adaptive reuse and preservation of historic structures, using Elbasan Bazaar Hammam as a case study. The Hammam, which is partly used as a restaurant and partly abandoned, is one of Albania's most important monuments from the Ottoman period. This research explores public perceptions regarding the current and potential future use of Elbasan's Bazaar Hammam, while also evaluating broader community participation in heritage projects in Elbasan. Research data are collected from literature, case studies, field visits, and questionnaire survey distributed randomly to residents of Elbasan. The questionnaire is divided into four main areas: awareness and visits, perceptions of current use, new approaches to Hammam use, and community impact. Then, the findings were analyzed using the descriptive statistics approach. The responses indicated a significant interest from Elbasan citizens in preserving the existing Hammam, suggesting several options for its reuse. Emphasizing public opinion guarantees the long-term sustainability of future treatments for the Elbasan Bazaar Hammam, serving as a model for similar cultural endeavors. The results of this study can help legislators, urban planners, and professionals who deal with heritage preservation projects determine the most firm regulations for historical places like Elbasan and elsewhere.