Effects of Local Geographical Factors on the Traditional Midyat Houses (Mardin, Turkey)

Traditional houses with masonry stone walls, vaults, and flat roofs are famous in Midyat, where people of all beliefs and origins live together. The city is found in Turkey’s Southeastern Anatolia region. The influence of local geographical elements on traditional Midyat dwellings was investigated i...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ali Uzun, İdris Kaplan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Istanbul University Press 2022-07-01
Series:Coğrafya Dergisi
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Online Access:https://cdn.istanbul.edu.tr/file/JTA6CLJ8T5/1DDB1DE2566C4F34A89B13986E5FD2DB
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Summary:Traditional houses with masonry stone walls, vaults, and flat roofs are famous in Midyat, where people of all beliefs and origins live together. The city is found in Turkey’s Southeastern Anatolia region. The influence of local geographical elements on traditional Midyat dwellings was investigated in this study. The research is mostly based on observations made on the ground. The climate in the area is semi-arid. Living spaces suitable for the climate have been created in traditional houses. These houses built on the slopes have wide views. Eocene limestones forming the bedrock in the region constitute the main building material of traditional houses. Under some houses, there are caves carved into the bedrock. Until the mid-20th century, local geographical features played a dominant role in the architectural design of houses. However, increasing migration and technological developments since the 1950s have caused the owners and user characteristics of some houses to change. Therefore, some new arrangements and additions have been made in traditional houses. Since the 2000s, construction techniques have also changed, and traditional-looking but unconventional stone-covered houses have increased. In recent years, the use of traditional houses for tourism purposes has created an important opportunity for their sustainable use.
ISSN:1305-2128