Zeyrek Çinili Hamam is a historical structure which entered the UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1985 as one of the unique works of art of Sinan the Architect, which was had built by the Capitan Barbaros Kheireddin Pasha in 1530. Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, which was acquired by The Marmara Group in 2009, was put into service again in 2023 following a delicate restoration process of over 10 years. For the installation and maintenance services of the fire detection systems in the historical structure, it was preferred to collaborate with EEC.
Zeyrek Çinili Hamam is one of the precious works of art of Sinan the Architect. As for fire protection, we decided to work with EEC without thinking much. I have been working in The Marmara Group for 19 years. EEC had been already here when I started to work. We did not seek out an alternative company for this project because we are satisfied with our collaboration with them as well as their engineering services. If you can say “It does not matter whether the product or service is at the quality level of B, C or D” depending on the importance of your business, then you seek out alternatives. However, we had to move on with EEC, which we consider the best in this business, in a high-end facility like Zeyrek.
The smallest modifications to the project were being sent to the Council of Monuments and the approval processes were lasting long because it is a historical artifact. That is why the restoration process lasted so long. The installation process of the fire detection system also spread over 3 years not because of ECC, but because of us suspending the project in order to wait for the official procedures.
Unfortunately, no measure is taken before something bad happens in our country. In the enterprises which adopt the mentality saying "Let’s install the system and obtain the license”, the fire systems are not sufficiently attached importance. In those systems, the fire scenarios are not tested and the annual maintenance works are not carried out even for once, and unfortunately, the consequences thereof are obvious as the most tragic experience. As a company, we have been giving priority to the proper and smooth operation of the system installed in our facilities for many years. From this perspective, what makes me happy most in terms of EEC is that I am aware that we literally receive a good engineering service even within the process following the installation of the system. Sometimes, minor problems may occur, but that engineering service we trust in is a must for us.
We also used your Edwards product for Zeyrek Çinili Hamam as for our hotels because we prefer high-end products. We are sure that the devices fulfill their functions in the necessary circumstances. The quality of the products is the aspect that attracts us. Special type devices were used by considering the effect of dense steam in the interior of the Turkish bath on the common environments. Devices which can distinguish heat from smoke in order to give the correct alert and are fit for the environment were selected. Otherwise, we could have had false alarm problem even at the time of opening and closing a door.
FireWorks Graphic Monitoring Control Software is of great use. For instance, thanks to the software, we are capable of making pinpoint detection when even a slightest response is required in our 34-storey building having a surface area of 44.000 m2 in The Marmara Taksim. We can see even the reason for the failure through the software. We also installed this system in Zeyrek Çinili Hamam as in all our hotels. Just as earthquake is a truth for Türkiye, the possibility of fire is also a truth for facilities. Just because of this possibility, those monies are being spent in and regulations are being issued on these systems. This is because we are aware that the most important thing is time, that is to say early response, in the case of fire. While racing against seconds, you cannot know from which floor and which section the smoke is coming. FireWorks Software is like hand and foot to us in instantly detecting the right location. We highly reap the benefit of it in terms of retrospective records and reporting.
Actually, Zeyrek Çinili Hamam is a relatively small-scale facility when compared to our hotels, but because of its value, we wanted Fireworks to be installed. The facility consists of not only the the Turkish bath, but also a museum, an office building, an event area and a beautiful garden. Our museum section located within the same structure includes precious parts having the characteristic of a historical artifact. We can say that the greatest benefit which EEC provides to us is also the protection of the exhibited historical artifacts in a safe manner.
We definitely recommend this product we use and the service we receive. I give 5 points out of 5 to the product quality. It is a system that does not arouse suspicion. Its properties exceedingly meet our expectations in the facility.
In my opinion, its price and quality performance is good. If you purchase the best, it is normal for it to be a little bit expensive. However, at this point, the concept we call budget comes into play. Eventually, we are corporate companies, so are you. We are absolutely capable of discussing and finding a middle ground.
As a suggestion for R&D, EEC is highly experienced in the field of historical structures and had held more meetings on infrastructure than we had. While maintaining the same quality, more aesthetical devices that are fit for the historical texture can be considered in terms of visuality.
We progressed without any problem in the testing and commissioning phase. They supported us very quickly in the supply and installation of the materials because they are aware of the importance of Zeyrek Çinili Hamam. The work spread over 3 years not because of EEC. Their materials were ready on site and they waited for us to give a start notice. Our additional processes were required to be completed in the Council of Monuments. Afterwards, they were promptly implemented and commissioned. They supported and guided us with their advices on all issues which they considered deficient.
The fact that the Teams know their job very well gives us confidence. We have a fabulous relationship with and we are fond of our Sales Manager. We have influence over each other. He repeatedly reviews and checks their inventories and quantities in order to produce a solution. Our communication with your Technical Team is excellent. They do not leave without solving the problem. They answer all our questions as well as our calls no matter what time it is at night. We feel that they consider our facility from our perspective.
You know that this team cares about you even more than you care about yourself. This is because any sluggishness or flexibility in the fire systems puts human life at risk, or in the simplest term, may lead to loss of property. At this point, the fact that EEC Team guides us with the most accurate approach gives us confidence. Perhaps, this sounds a cliché, but we have full confidence in EEC’s engineering.
Fire does not break out every day. This incident occurs once and the proper operation of the system on that day saves lives. The maintenance works of the fire system are also essential to keep the system alive. The fire warning and emergency public address system is of critical importance for evacuating people at the time of fire. It is so tragic that the calamities which occurred in Kartalkaya and factories could have been prevented. You have a clear conscious not by installing a system for show only in order to obtain a fire report, but by keeping this system ready for life safety.
All our facilities associated to our Group have fire reports. Our managers adopt the approach of having the best and top-quality system in terms of the legal obligations and conscious. This is a great advantage for us. They never object to the investments made in fire safety and always support us.
The company’s approach is essential here, but the managers must also care about this responsibility with a clear conscious. If there is any failure, it may be said “Ignore the device required to be replaced, have the maintenance works carried out for twice instead of four times a year”. The priorities must be insistently reminded. For instance, in the hotel, not only the fire and public address systems, but also all our transformers, boiler rooms and generators constitute big budgets. However, it is our priority to ensure life safety of our guests in the hotel or Turkish bath. The hotel can remain even without water, electricity and elevator for a couple of hours if necessary. However, what is the most important for The Marmara Group is continuous fire safety.
We are very pleased with the engineering quality of EEC from which we receive service in order to assure this. The product quality also gives you confidence. You are aware that it will not leave you in the lurch. You can easily contact with their Sales and Technical Teams at any time. We are aware that we are actually provided with quick solution and high-quality service. In my opinion, EEC is a company that extremely deserves the fee collected for maintenance.
