This paper discusses the intricate dynamics surrounding the destruction, preservation, care, and potential for reimagining the contested Ottoman heritage in contemporary contexts. Through an exploration of historical erasure and related cultural transformations, the paper navigates the complex terrain where the remnants of the Ottoman past intersect with modern realities and evolving urban landscapes. Drawing on case studies from Bulgaria and the broader Balkan region, it examines how past erasures have shaped present-day narratives and identities, while also looking for vernacular possibilities for a shared future that the reconsideration of the Ottoman heritage might offer.