Ankara Metropolitan Municipality has initiated a comprehensive “Street Rehabilitation Project” on the historical Tinmakers Street, a symbolic area in Ulus also recognized as the Stovemakers Bazaar. The project aims to rejuvenate the street, preserving its unique character while enhancing its aesthetic appeal. This initiative, announced by the Municipality, will involve the renovation of 28 structures, with six of them being officially registered historical buildings.
Restoring the Essence of a Historical Hub
Tinmakers Street holds significant historical value as one of the prominent centers of craft culture, spanning from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic era. The rehabilitation project will adopt a holistic approach to restore the street’s original fabric. Hüner Yonga, Application Chief of the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality’s Department of Urban History, Promotion, and Tourism, emphasized that the project’s primary goal is to preserve and improve the unique character of Tinmakers Street.
Key Aspects of the Renovation:
- Facade Restoration: Plastering and painting work will be carried out on the facades of the buildings.
- Window and Door Renewal: Worn-out and unoriginal frames will be replaced to match the historical authenticity.
- Shop Window and Display Enhancements: Storefronts and displays will be redesigned for a more aesthetic appearance.
- Roof Renovations: Roof repair and replacement will increase the physical durability of the structures.
- Standardization of Signage: Visually cluttering signs and advertising elements will be standardized to ensure street uniformity and enhance the area’s tourist appeal.
“Within the scope of the project, a total of 28 structures, including 6 registered ones, have been approached holistically. Signage and advertising elements on the facades will also be rearranged within a certain standard. This arrangement will prevent visual pollution, ensure street integrity, and increase the touristic attractiveness of the region,” stated Yonga.
Positive Reception from Local Businesses
Local shopkeepers have expressed strong support for the project, anticipating significant benefits for both businesses and visitors. Erdal İlgi, a shopkeeper in the Stovemakers Bazaar for approximately 50 years, highlighted the positive impact of such developments on the area.
“I have been running a bakery and pastry business in the Stovemakers Bazaar for about 50 years. I came here to help my father for three days, and it’s been 50 years. With these works, a noticeable change has started in Ulus. People have started coming more for shopping. Ulus is also preferred because it offers more affordable prices compared to other districts,” İlgi remarked.
Halil Bülent Demirdöven, another shopkeeper whose family business has been operating for three generations over a century, underscored the importance of the renovation for accessibility and safety.
“Our shop is approximately 100 years old. It is very important for all of us that these places are more organized, accessible, and safe. We want an Ulus where people can comfortably come and visit. With the investments to be made, this place will become a much more beautiful place,” Demirdöven said.
The project is expected to significantly boost the area’s tourism potential and provide a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike, reinforcing Ulus’s position as a vibrant historical and commercial center in Ankara.
