Transformations of traditional architectural heritage on the case study of mahala Svirac in Gradačac

Old historic residential areas represent a cross section of information on cultural, social and economic circumstances of their time. Through various periods, adaptation and transformation led to the loss of material identity of mahalas (residential/neighborhood areas from the ottoman period) as living blocks of old cities. Mahalas had universal humanistic values, followed the basic principles of human life (a view and sunlight), respected the site, neighborhood, and value of their surroundings etc. Over time, man has adapted the houses to his contemporary needs and lifestyle, which was inevitable, but on the other hand as a result of these interventions irreversible changes have appeared. Analyzing the processes of reversibility/irreversibility through a case study of vernacular architecture of mahalas, we will raise the issues of recognizing the loss and modes of dealing with it today. The objectives of this study are: defining the historic environment, the importance and value of mahalas in general; defining characteristics of Gradačac mahala Svirac; and identifying the degree of degradation of mahala Svirac through the presence of irreversible phenomena of new construction. One should try to simulate a new image of the city, taking into account changes of life styles based on social and economic thinking. The mahala, as an integral part of the city, should be a sustainable structure based on created and inherited values that we already have, but also taking into consideration the contemporary circumstances of life and innovative architectural and urban improvement solutions. Historic residential areas require a legal and active protection.