The inclusivity of the Ottoman bazaar area in Istanbul as an urban museum

Durhan, Sıla (Dogus Author)The classical Ottoman bazaar area of Istanbul in the Historical Peninsula, which includes inns, stores, shops and covered streets, is considered a historical and touristic "space". However, it is also possible to describe this "urban space" as an inclusive museum with its diverse historical, architectural, cultural and social assets, such as the Grand Bazaar (Covered Bazaar), Beyazid Square (Old Palace area), Messe (main arterial road), Spice Bazaar, Ottoman inns, street fountains, and mosques. The space's dispersed complexes can also be defined as museum collection items. This paper mainly discusses a site management plan that includes educational activities, exhibitions, cultural or artistic events and conservation-restoration works that can be conducted with an inclusive effort through the involvement of locals, business circles, governmental and non-governmental organizations, academics as well as site visitors. Consequently, a space for dialogue and an interaction area between the public and the city will be constituted through the bazaar area, which is considered here to be an inclusive museum