Construction Materials And Technologies In The First National Architecture Movement: Bridging Tradition And Modernity

This article explores the construction materials and technologies employed during the First National Architecture Movement, marked by rapid industrialization and socio-political change in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The movement, rooted in Ottoman Westernization and the rise of Turkish nationalism, blended traditional architectural elements with modern innovations brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Therefore, buildings constructed during this period ought to be preserved in their original characteristics, and according to international conservation principles. Within this research, literature and archival investigation have been conducted to present a comprehensive overview of the period’s technologies and materials. In addition, limited site visits and observations were carried out on some prominent buildings in Ankara and Istanbul, representing different periods and designed by various architects. The study demonstrates that modern materials such as Portland cement, cement-based materials, concrete, and steel, as well as technologies like ferroconcrete and reinforced concrete frame, were used alongside traditional ones such as masonry and timber framing. Moreover, these new materials and technologies were integrated into established architectural practices, such as masonry structures with reinforced concrete floor slabs or steel beams. The research also highlights discrepancies and contradictions in the existing literature regarding the identification of building materials and structural systems, revealing the need for more meticulous and accurate representation in future studies. The article concludes that buildings from this period must be analyzed and evaluated through the lens of the architectural technologies of their time, ensuring their preservation in accordance with international conservation principles. Proper recognition and identification of these construction materials and technologies will facilitate the rightful conservation of these buildings, which form an essential part of Türkiye’s architectural heritage.