Donated to Konak Municipality by Mrs. Saadet Mirci, this listed 19th-century building is typical of the introverted character of traditional Turkish houses, with few external ground-floor openings and high courtyard walls. Uninhabited for 20 years, it was in a state of partial collapse. The restoration and adaptation has retained its original spatial and facade characteristics, and has rectified structural failures. Disharmonious additions have been removed, the staircase reinstated in its original position and blocked windows reopened. The existing room layout was adequate for the new use as a public education centre, a central ‘sofa’ circulation space on each floor giving access to the teaching and administration rooms.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture