Transformation Process of Industrial Heritage Places; Case Study: Northern Industrial Zone of Ayvalık, Turkey

Ayvalık is a pioneer settlement in Western Anatolia with an olive-based industry since its establishment. 'Ayvalık Industrial Landscape' is defined by a specific geography which accepted on the tentative list of UNESCO in 2017 as an outstanding example of social and economic structure of 19th-century industry based on olive oil production in Western Anatolia. During the development of Ayvalık as an industrial center in 19th-century, introduction of the factory buildings with large program that are mostly located in the northern industrial zone along the coastline for taking an advantage of sea water and being closer to the port, was the main impact to the urban settlement pattern of Ayvalık. However, due to fast technological developments, changes in production systems and relocation of the industrial activities, industrial heritage buildings have remained as reminders of their times. Although some of them have converted into new uses, they usually lost their functions which caused a large stock of derelict industrial buildings within the city center. The aim of this paper is to discuss the transformation process of northern industrial zone of Ayvalık by re-reading the current state of the northern industrial zone in order to find the principles and strategies for the conservation of industrial heritage of Ayvalık according to its indigenous values, potentials and new demands.