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PurposeThis study aims to propose a systematic way of evaluating the impact of historic and current interventions on cultural asset values of monuments that have preserved their authentic functions so that future interventions can be better guided.Design/methodology/approachThe study focuses on the Mosque typology. The case studies are chosen from a region that has a rich historic background, but has generally undergone rapid urbanization and faces extensive restorations today. Conventional site survey, archive and historical research and visual analysis are made, but the evaluation process has been designed. As a result, scale and intensity of interventions and disasters and the vulnerability of the monument should be identified for each period of the asset. Variations in the intensity of esthetic or historic qualities and the environmental settings should be credited, rather than the utilitarian necessities.FindingsMosques and their environs are most vulnerable in terms of their architectural authenticity and site aesthetics.Originality/valueThe objects studied in the previous studies present a variation, but the majority of the work is carried out with conventional evaluation methods with the emphasis on building scale. However, the mosques are affected by the interventions and disasters, not only as single architectural entities but also as the focal elements of their neighborhoods. So, the intervention-value relations should be understood both for building and site scales. An evaluation process is proposed for understanding the change of values with respect to interventions and disasters throughout history by combining qualitative and quantitative techniques.

This study focuses on the value-change relationship in two historic mosques and presents a management framework that considers their common conservation problems. The case studies are the Haki Baba Mosque in Manisa centre and Kabasakal Mosque in Kırkağaç, Manisa; both have been recently restored. The literature review covers value and intervention concepts with literature and archive research specific to the case studies; this includes a comparative study with similar buildings together with site observations. Urban development, neighbourhood development maps, and comparative study tables were prepared. The effects of changes stemming from disasters, interventions, planning decisions and restoration projects were evaluated concerning the accumulated values. Conservation problems include overdevelopment and transformation of original rural sites to urban sites; alteration of earthen roofs to hipped roofs; unplanned spatial conversion and addition of architectural elements. Restoration designs giving no reference to the authentic state of the elements and spaces also mislead the observer in terms of authenticity and are insufficient in terms of the organisation of the daily life objects. Some universal principles to guide future interventions have been developed: heritage values should be taken as an input in the preparation of development plans; illegal interventions must be avoided; restoration designs should be based on thorough investigation and fully present authentic qualities, and the organisation of daily life objects ought to be part of the restoration design problem. Conservation councils and religious foundations should also be meticulous in evaluating the consistency of intervention decisions and quality of applications.