Sometimes, the past needs a helping hand. With the right expertise and cooperation, our local history can be conserved for future generations to enjoy.

In the Gölpazarı district of Türkiye, a conservation project is helping to put the cultural delights of the town of Taşhan firmly back on the map.

Taşhan’s small population of 11,000 inhabitants belies its cultural importance. It sits on what used to be the Silk Road – the important network of trade routes linking China with Europe that was used by traders for more than 1,500 years.

The new conservation project – a joint venture between the local council at Bilecik Gölpazarı and our Marshall brand – is an opportunity to highlight what the town has to offer to both tourists visiting the area for the first time and residents keen to learn more about their town’s history.  

The first stage of the project will focus on renovating and painting 23 of Taşhan’s most important historical buildings, including the town’s famous inn, bathhouse and mosque. These buildings are prime examples of Ottoman civic architecture and need to be looked after to ensure that they can withstand whatever the weather has in store for them.

Buildings will be treated using Marshall’s brand new Akrikor Exterior Façade. This superior four-season paint will weatherproof the buildings as part of our global “Let’s Colour” program.

The project’s aiming to do even more than just spruce up the town’s historical buildings. An exhibition area is also being created where local historical artefacts such as ancient inscriptions, tombstones, sarcophagi and columns will be brought together in one place to showcase Taşhan’s colorful past. It’s hoped that creating one central location for the area’s historical gems will help the town to market its cultural heritage to the world and boost tourism in the local area.

As a result of the conservation project, the local community will also benefit from an additional welcome source of income. Renovated buildings will include a dedicated marketplace on the lower floors where local women can sell local produce, ceramics and needlework to visitors. It just goes to show that preserving the past can reap aesthetic, cultural and economic benefits for years to come.