A Field Study on Anatolian Rural Architectural Heritage: Samsun Atakum Buyukoyumca Houses

Abstract

Houses in rural settlements in Anatolia are not limited merely to the function of housing; they stand out as distinctive architectural structures in which social, cultural, and geographical conditions are reflected in spatial form. However, today these structures are in danger of rapidly disappearing due to modernization, changing social structures, functional transformations, and insufficient awareness of conservation. This situation makes the identification and documentation of local architectural heritage more essential than ever. In this context, the houses located in the Büyükoyumca Neighborhood of the Atakum District in Samsun were examined within the scope of a field survey conducted to document and analyze the rural architectural heritage of Anatolia. These houses, which have not previously been examined in any scientific study, were evaluated in terms of their plan typologies, ornamentation styles, building materials, and construction techniques.

The study was conducted by photographing the houses, taking measurements for survey drawings, and conducting oral history interviews with the homeowners to gather information about the houses. The investigations show that the houses were largely constructed using local materials such as wood and stone. The houses are single-story structures with exterior and interior hallways. Although few decorative elements were found in the houses examined, this indicates a combination of aesthetic sensibility and functionality. However, a significant portion of the houses in the neighborhood have suffered varying degrees of damage or functional alterations. The study aims to evaluate the architectural features, materials, construction techniques, and decorative characteristics of the houses. Dating from the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century, the houses reflect the traditional rural architectural style with the features they have preserved to this day. The fact that the houses have not been the subject of a scientific study before increases the originality of the research.