This thesis presents a critical reading of the multilayeredness in contemporary cities through the case of Divanyolu, main road of the historical istanbul. The ground in this case displays the fragmented character, so in order to follow the discontinuities in the morphological, economical, cultural and also hypothetic structures / this study will concentrate on the confrontation of layers within the framework of modernization process in the city. Beyond many possible discussions questioning the multiplicity of Istanbul, this study aims to encompass the specific character of the modernization process observed in Divanyolu. Furthermore, the information derived from the evaluation can suggest an exemplary framework for the new grounds in the multilayered sites, which is actually the other aim of the study. Within this framework, Divanyolu is chosen as a major urban case to discuss the complexity of the stratified ground. It was an example of a stratified ground being the main thoroughfare of the Ottoman Capital, which formed the important network from the Topkapi Palace to the Edirne Gate. The road has been the stage for the modernization process beginning from the 19th century to the present. With the different stage modernization process, the ground displayed the fragmented character. In this thesis, the main dynamics of this partial transformation will be evaluated.

Restoration has been a tool for enhancing selected parts of history, which tells about the ideals of its time. Today most older buildings have already been through several restorations or renovations. How should one approach and valuate historical layers? The purpose of this thesis has been to study earlier restoration work and its approaches and ideals. From this, interventions and design has been done through an alteration of Börshuset in Gamla Stan in Stockholm. The restoration proposal consists of three interventions done with three different approaches: reconstruction, alteration of the existing and an added function and element. Through this method, the project attempts to answer questions about how we can relate to existing buildings, not just as artefacts of their time, but as living things with a complex and layered history. My proposal is a suggestion to reintroduce lost qualities and value the historical layers that are or have been present in Börshuset. By being aware of the difficulty in appreciating newer layers there is a possibility for a better assessment and decision-making that could save historical layers which might become our future cultural heritage.