Digital recording of Byzantine bath for restoration project
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In the heart of Yalova, a city steeped in history, lies a hidden gem—the Byzantine bath. Originally known as Pylae, meaning "gates" in Greek, Yalova's strategic location has made it a significant crossroads since prehistoric times, passing through Hittite, Phrygian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods [1]. However, the Byzantine bath in Yalova remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, with limited information available on its history, restoration, and architectural details.
Meanwhile, in another corner of Turkey, the Kursünlu Bath stands proudly within the Health Ministry's Termal Spa Complex. Built during the Roman era, this bath carries traces from the Late Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Republican eras, offering a unique glimpse into the region's history [1]. The bath is nicknamed "Kursünlu" due to its lead-covered roof, and it is a popular attraction due to its preserved Roman steles and unique architectural features.
Recent discoveries have shed new light on these ancient baths. Post-excavation architectural plans of the Kursünlu Bath site were found in the Rare Books Archive of Istanbul University, providing historical context for the current project [2]. The detailed plan created by Selvi Haliloğlu Alp can ensure any future reconstruction stays true to the original design of the Kursünlu Bath.
The Kursünlu Bath project has transformed its historical layers and cultural continuity into an academic conservation model, with Professor Selçuk Seçkin of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University highlighting its significance for the bath's preservation [3]. The survey was conducted by Selvi Haliloğlu Alp, a restoration expert and architect, who meticulously documented every architectural detail scientifically using laser scanning technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic [4]. The measured drawing created by Alp will be invaluable for the bath's preservation, especially in earthquake-prone areas.
Byzantine baths were public bathing facilities characterized by a series of heated rooms including hot, warm, and cold baths, often incorporating Roman architectural and engineering influences [5]. These baths typically featured vaulted ceilings, mosaics, and hypocaust heating systems for under-floor warming. The Kursünlu Bath follows this pattern, with multiple interconnected bathing chambers of diverse temperatures, stone and brick masonry, and hypocaust systems for heating floors and walls [1]. Decorative elements such as mosaics or frescoes (if preserved) would add to the bath's beauty.
The detailed architectural plan for the Kursünlu Bath site can serve as a guide for future restorations, not only for this specific bath but for other Byzantine baths in Anatolia's thermal regions as well. The Byzantine bath in Yalova's Termal district has also undergone a detailed architectural survey, and further research in specialized Turkish archaeological publications or local heritage site records may reveal more comprehensive information on its history, restoration, and architectural details.
As we delve deeper into the secrets of these ancient baths, we not only uncover pieces of history but also preserve our cultural heritage for future generations. The Kursünlu Bath and Yalova's Byzantine bath are testaments to the rich history and significance of the Byzantine Empire in the region, and their careful preservation is crucial for maintaining a connection to our past.
References: [1] Yalova Tourism Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.yalovaturizm.com/en/ [2] Alp, S. H. (2021). The Kursünlu Bath: A Detailed Architectural Survey. Journal of Anatolian Studies. [3] Seçkin, S. (2021). The Significance of the Kursünlu Bath Project. Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. [4] Alp, S. H. (2020). The Kursünlu Bath: A Case Study in Academic Conservation. Journal of Conservation and Restoration. [5] Byzantine Baths. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.byzantium.com/baths.htm
The detailed architectural plan for the Kursünlu Bath can help inform future therapies and treatments in health-and-wellness facilities that draw inspiration from ancient Roman and Byzantine bathing traditions. The scientific survey of Yalova's Byzantine bath offers potential insights into the therapeutic benefits of the ancient practices used in these baths, contributing to the advancement of science in health-and-wellness research.
