Architectural Heritage of the Republican Era: Karamürsel (Kocaeli) Old Municipality Building

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

During the Tanzimat period, the concept of modern municipalism emerged in the Ottoman Empire, leading to innovations in the administrative organization of municipalities in the 19th century. The Istanbul Beyoğlu Sixth Department Building, built in a Neo-classical style and masonry technique, was the first municipality building in Turkey. Subsequently, with the implementation of the Tuna Vilayeti Nizamnamesi (provincial regulations), this exemplary municipal building design spread to other provinces in the Ottoman Empire. During the Republican era, the municipal organization continued to develop. The first quarter of the 20th century was marked by the construction of public buildings in the style of the I. National Architecture Movement, including municipal buildings. The municipality building in the Karamürsel district of Kocaeli, built between 1926 and 1929, reflects the aforementioned architectural style. The historical significance of Karamürsel as an ancient naval city and its maritime trade with the capital elevated municipal services to an important position. The building exemplifies the architectural style of the period in both its plan and facade design. Additionally, it is situated in the centre of a residential area and blends well with its surroundings, much like other public buildings. The symmetrical arrangement of its side wings and the elevated central axis of the two-story structure highlight the typical facade design of public buildings. This study aimed to explain the history, architecture, and facade design of the Karamürsel Old Municipality Building, emphasizing the changes that occurred over time and comparing it with other public buildings of the period. The goal was to determine the place of the building in the modern municipality's understanding of the young Republic of Turkey. Given the absence of a comprehensive study on the subject, it is particularly important to introduce and document this structure in Turkish literature.