Celâleddin Çelik
Located in Sultanahmet’s At Meydanı, directly facing the Serpent Column, the Recep Peker Mansion is one of the distinguished examples of early Republican civic architecture that has survived in Istanbul. The building has been reprogrammed while preserving its original character, and its entire interior has been reinterpreted through a contemporary restoration approach.
Throughout the restoration process, the structural system, façade elements, timber joinery, and flooring were renewed in adherence to the original construction. The interior design was conceived in harmony with the historical atmosphere yet avoids period imitation. All furniture, chandeliers, curtains, carpets, paintings, and decorative objects were specially designed, selected, and produced for this project.
Each room was treated with a distinct arrangement reflecting the internal hierarchy of the mansion. The curtains, fabrics, colors, and patterns were tailored to the function and character of each space. As one moves from the reception area to the principal room, the shifting details subtly communicate this hierarchy. This approach reproduces the elegance associated with the mansion in a manner true to its spirit yet expressed in an original contemporary language.
Today, the mansion stands as a vivid example of how architectural heritage can be preserved with precision while re-establishing aesthetic continuity. With its unique location and refined spatial atmosphere, it remains both a part of the historic fabric and a contemporary place of representation.
