RE-INTERPRETING THE BODRUM CASTLE UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM: SPATIAL TRANSFORMATION AND EXHIBITION DESIGN STRATEGIES

The Bodrum Castle was built by the Order of Knights Saint John at beginning 15th century. Castle, situated within a first-degree archaeological site, is one most visited museums in Turkey with its underwater archaeology collection. Throughout processes transformation into museum, authentic characteristics medieval castle have been overshadowed urges and challenges to display preserve an collection practical necessities serving as museum. An architectural conservation project developed between 2014-2016 restoration implementations conducted three stages since 2018, which were recently completed summer 2021. This study introduces analyses problems functional spatial organization museum discusses critical interventions on cultural properties be used spaces. By re-assessing monumental building it presents thematic frameworks, formation strategies exhibition approach employed design implementation.