The architect Cahide Tamer (1915-2005) is a figure that looms large in the restoration histories of Byzantine monuments in Istanbul. In this conversation, recorded on 16 April 2025, Bariş emphasizes the importance of preserving and restoring Byzantine heritage as part of nation-building processes in the First Republic. Among the most notable of these projects was the Hagia Sofia. Bariş traces the history of restoration practices from the 1940s until today. The discussion concludes by presenting Tamer’s archive, in which she kept unusually detailed records of restoration projects from the 1940s until the 1970s. This open access resource is an important point of reference today, providing a missing chapter in the ongoing history of these landmarks. Alongside plans and photographs, Tamer’s archive includes other forms of documentation, such as correspondence and budgets, for more than 150 buildings in Istanbul. The conversation concludes with Bariş’ reflections on the challenges confronting Tamer’s successors – the preservationists and activists of today.

In a male-dominated environment, in 1950s Turkey, it might seem surprising that a woman architect was the chief architect of the body responsible for historic monuments. Being an activist today still requires strong nerves, because most of the time we are unsuccessful. But I still have hope for the future.

Episode 69 – Restoration Histories

Podcasts are published by TLP for the purpose of encouraging informed debate on the legacies of the events surrounding the Lausanne Conference. The views expressed by participants do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of TLP, its partners, convenors or members.