Sille is a village located 8 km northwest of Konya city center with a population of 4,000.
Its history dates back to the Neolithic era and witnessed periods of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman rule.
In the late 1900s, Sille was a bustling town with a population of around 18,000, half of whom were non-Muslims, mainly Greeks and Ottomans.
Historical maps and photos reveal around sixty churches along with private places of worship and chapels in households.
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However, Sille was nearly deserted during the population exchange of 1923. As homes, hans (inns), and churches were left behind, the architectural and cultural heritage gradually eroded over time.
The Sille Primary School follows the footprint of a former han, offering an informal reconstruction. It's located on sloping land along the eastern bank of the stream that runs through the valley.
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The Sille Primary School, with its tectonic expression and public education program, aims to restore the disappearing local fabric. Designed regarding a historic building, it seeks to establish a dialogue between the past and present.
Architects: TEGET
Lead Architects: Teğet Architecture, Mehmet Küçükoğlu, Ertuğ Uçar
Location: Turkey
The school's simple and solid stone walls contrast with the flexible structure of the wooden framework. Traditional wooden partitions create various-sized volumes, housing classrooms, offices, and multipurpose halls. The repeating windows of the historic inn often illuminate different functions within.
Concealed closets within the walls and benches along the facade transform the corridor into a multifunctional area.
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