On The Architectural Identity of A Lost Soap Factory on Cunda Island: An Analysis in The Light of Excavation Data and Visual Documents

Soap factories function not only as production facilities but also as valuable testimonies to their era, reflecting the construction techniques, material choices, and plan typologies that define industrial architecture. The town of Ayvalık, distinguished by its prominence in olive oil production, preserves a variety of such structures. This study focuses on a soap factory located on Alibey (Cunda) Island, which was destroyed during the 1944 earthquake. The research combines the results of salvage excavations conducted in 2023 with restitution projects and historical visual materials to investigate the architectural features and contextual significance of the building. Excavation evidence including foundation remains, hearth traces, smokestack fragments, and a plastered basin confirms the industrial function of the structure as a soap factory. Primary data are derived from excavation findings and historical photographs, while secondary data are obtained through comparative analyses of other soap and oil factories that either survive or have been documented in the region. This methodological approach not only allows the identification of the building’s specific spatial and formal characteristics but also enables its interpretation within the broader framework of regional production traditions. Of particular importance are a 1929 photograph and early postcards, which provide critical insights into the number of stories, façade arrangement, and certain architectural details. The juxtaposition of excavation data with these visual materials contributes to establishing a robust foundation for restitution proposals. Comparisons with similar factories in the region demonstrate that the building shares common architectural traditions yet exhibits distinctive features. The findings indicate that the soap factory was constructed between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the historical continuity of industrial production facilities in Ayvalık and highlights the building as one of the rare examples on Cunda Island, underscoring its architectural and historical significance.