Exploring the potentials of adaptive reuse of cisterns in historic cities: Case of Safranbolu

Authors : İrem Kahyaoğlu, Timuçin Harputlugil

Pages : 486-518

Doi:10.37246/grid.1491361

View : 160 | Download : 533

Publication Date : 2025-10-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study investigates a hypothetical scenario that addresses challenges such as the rapid depletion of water resources and increasing water demands driven by population growth, global warming, climate change, and indiscriminate water usage. Safranbolu, a city noted for its historically protected architecture, serves as a case study to illustrate these challenges. Rather than asserting a definitive solution, the research examines the potential of adaptive reuse of existing cisterns to enhance water efficiency in buildings. The literature review identified that the impacts of climate change and increasing population significantly contribute to higher water demand, which in turn affects both the availability and quality of water resources. It was concluded that implementing water-saving devices and expanding wastewater recycling can be effective strategies to improve water efficiency. Moreover, the adaptive reuse of cisterns and other historical water structures, which are abundant in cities like Safranbolu, may offer supplementary potential for advancing water efficiency goals, although feasibility and technical considerations remain beyond the scope of this study. In Safranbolu, a field study was conducted in two phases and included the examination and documentation of 11 significant cisterns. Additionally, detailed water consumption data; daily, monthly, and annually, from 12 mansion (guesthouses) and 13 houses within the city were collected through a structured questionnaire. The survey also provided insights into the spatial use of water and the application of water-saving technologies in these buildings. Preliminary findings suggest that the water consumed by these 25 buildings, combined with greywater reuse and limited rainwater collection, could potentially be partly managed, stored, and treated in local cisterns. However, this remains a theoretical approach that does not fully address economic feasibility, technical capacity, or maintenance processes. Despite these limitations, reusing cisterns may help preserve historical water structures while contributing to more sustainable water management in heritage urban settings.
Keywords : İklim Değişikliği, Sürdürülebilirlik, Sarnıçlar, Uyarlanabilir yeniden kullanım, Safranbolu

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