A Case Study of Latest Ottoman Sıbyan-İptidai Mektepleri (Primary School Buildings) in Kayseri: Barbaros İptidai Mektebi, 1908-1910

Education gradually came to the fore with the acceleration of relations with the West in the modernization process after the publication of the Tanzimat Period in Ottoman and it functions as a kind of social transformation mechanism. School buildings were expanded in the provinces in parallel with the gradually renewed and changing education system. These school buildings reflected the modernization process of the Ottoman Empire in the field of education. The Tanzimat Period has made significant contributions to the socio-cultural structure and physical silhouettes of newly formed cities. In this study, Barbaros İptidai Mektebi (Primary School, in 1908-1910), which was built in Pınarbaşı district of Kayseri, and which is one of the buildings reflecting the last period education policy of the Ottoman Empire, was selected as the sample. Although the school has lost its original function, it reflects the historical, social and architectural characteristics of the period. In addition, it is unique in terms of its details and the use of local materials. In this study, the focus is on architectural planning, building material, construction technique, and restitution decisions. The present study was prepared using qualitative research techniques including a literature review, observation and documentation methods. Barbaros Primary School is one of the rare examples reflecting the architectural and aesthetic features of the Ottoman neo-classical period. In this regard, examining this building will help to understand the spatial organization of schools in Ottoman in the 20th century. It is recommended that local governments do the necessary planning for the preservation of this building.