Grand Bazaar

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‘The history of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul goes back to the middle of the 15th century until the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. According to the foundation system, which is one of the most important practices that keep the Ottoman institutions alive, an income generating structure was created in order to meet the various needs of the mosques such as repair and maintenance costs. The most important of these income-generating structures are the bazaars, and the foundations of the Grand Bazaar were built in 1461 with the buildings built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet to bring income to Hagia Sophia. The Grand Bazaar, which has become one of the most important commercial centers of the region in time, is home to the richest craftsmen of Istanbul and where the jewels and precious jewelry from all over the world are traded, served as a bank and financial center in these years. At the same time, because it is considered as one of the places that best reflect the Eastern life in the eyes of Istanbul and Europeans, the fact that it is included in many travel books and painters' paintings also proves the historical and cultural importance of the Covered Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar, which is not only the oldest but the oldest shopping center in the world, is built on an area of ​​45,000 square meters and has a total of 3,600 shops. The Grand Bazaar, which is the heart of the economy in the Ottoman period where the store has a large area and even more than this number, is the first stopover point for those who come to Istanbul and want to shop.’

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Ayot Exchange Office Project is a commercial interior design that aims to respond the requirements of today's usage as well as conservetion principles. The importance of developing the boundaries of the traditional and the Grand Bazaar tradition in terms of spatial design in the exchange office is considered. Design has been developed by taking into consideration the diversity and the unity of material textures and offering solutions in minimum space.

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The counter, which is the most sensitive and determining element of the currency exchange office, has provided a more ergonomic use to the user and the staff serving the interior with angular cuts, and has become simple and plain with the natural stone - marble covering. At the same time, with its design and materials, it has the ability to look at the production of the new in the historical field. In addition, a holistic interior is created by maintaining the horizontal and vertical continuity of the materials. The special study area on the upper floor; It is designed to provide user comfort such as lighting, acoustics and heat, as well as to increase the efficiency of the work area. The project requires serious measures to be taken in terms of security. A smart system has been installed for all controls such as security, ventilation, lighting, etc. and the availability and accessibility of the space have been increased with this system. All systems can be controlled from one screen.

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Interior design and construction of the space was made by Mimlab architecture. In the conservation approach; the body walls and the existing mezzanine floor were renewed in accordance with the original and the interior coatings were applied without mechanical intervention. The facade joinery were renewed with the proportions and motifs recommended in accordance with the conservation principles.