Roots and Future of Trade:
Kayseri Grand Bazaar and Hans District Vision Workshop (April 16–18, 2026)

Organized in collaboration with Melikgazi Belediyesi, Abdullah Gül Üniversitesi, Mimarlar Odası Kayseri Şubesi, and Kayseri Kent Konseyi, the “Roots and Future of Trade: Kayseri Grand Bazaar and Hans District Vision Workshop” aimed to establish a conceptual framework for developing a sustainable, inclusive, and implementable management model for the Grand Bazaar, Gön Han, Vezir Han, and the Bedesten, which together constitute Kayseri’s historic commercial center.

Through the collaborative workshop held on April 16–18, 2026, it was aimed to develop a holistic, performance-based, and long-term vision for the historic commercial district and its structures. It was emphasized that the Kayseri Historic Hans District represents a unique value not only through its monumental buildings but also as a carrier of the city’s commercial memory, production culture, and everyday life practices.

Within the scope of the workshop, the following four main themes were addressed:

• Values, Identity, and the Spirit of Place: Evaluations were conducted to identify and preserve the unique character of the area.
• Conservation, Adaptation, and Risk Management: Proposals were developed to enhance resilience against risks such as earthquakes and fires, and to ensure structural adaptation.
• Use, Everyday Practices, and Social Dynamics: Inclusive scenarios were discussed, taking into account the needs of tradespeople, visitors, and users.
• Trade, Production, and Economic Sustainability: Approaches were introduced to strengthen economic vitality through investments, creative industries, tourism, and innovative revenue models.