THIRD SINASOS / Barış Bilgi
Before 1923, 80% of the population in Sinasos, a village in Ürgüp, Nevşehir, consisted of Greeks. The population exchange of 1923 forced them to migrate to Greece, leaving their homes and cultural heritage behind. To preserve their identity, they created photo albums documenting the village’s social and architectural life. Evangelia Balta’s Sinasos: Images and Narratives provides invaluable insights into this rich history and collective memory.
Balta’s work and field research highlight how the population exchange disrupted Sinasos’ national identity. However, the displaced community sought to rebuild their identity by founding “Nea-Sinasos” (New Sinasos) in Greece. Reflecting their original village, the first structure built was a church, reaffirming the role of collective memory and shared spaces in fostering belonging.
The Third Sinasos project is envisioned as an indigenous groundscraper, a design that integrates architectural elements harmoniously with the natural topography and cultural heritage of the site. Drawing from Edward Soja’s “Thirdspace” theory, which merges the physical (first space) and ideological (second space) dimensions to create places of emotional connection (third space), the project aims to reinterpret and revive the interrupted national identity of 1923 through a modern approach.
The design incorporates analyses of Sinasos and Nea-Sinasos, focusing on building positions, materials, techniques, and land use. The church acts as the central axis, integrating surrounding structures, topography, and natural features. Inspired by Balta’s description of a bridge connecting neighborhoods, the design includes two bridges and four volumes linking three distinct zones.
Two volumes are designed as micro-dwelling units, placed where historical inns once stood. These units offer modern, adaptable living spaces while respecting the historical essence of the area. The space between the church and mosque is dedicated to public activities, centered around a carnival square. This area includes photography galleries, workshops, cafés, a silkworm production house, and reconstructed ruins, blending contemporary needs with historical continuity.
By adopting the concept of an indigenous groundscraper, the Third Sinasos project preserves the site’s natural features while creating a dynamic architectural narrative. This approach bridges the past and present, offering a space that protects cultural identity while fostering new connections and experiences. The design not only commemorates the heritage of Sinasos but also invites visitors to engage with its legacy in a meaningful and innovative way.
