Examination of the sustainability of the materials and building techniques used in traditional Mardin architecture in today's restoration practices

This study is about the material, construction technology and construction organization of traditional Mardin architecture. The main aim of the study is to document these materials and techniques before they are forgotten. By this way, it is aimed to help taking decisions that are loyal to their origins in the restoration interventions that will transfer the historical artefacts to the next generations and to provide data to the ones who will study on this topic. The study is conducted via observations of the restorations that are carried out today, interviews with the master builders, examinations that are made in the ateliers and quarries and finally studies in the related archives. The study consists of 8 parts. In the first part, the aim, importance, extent and restrictions of the study; in the second part, the literature review; in the third part, the material and the method, in the fourth part the history, geography and traditional urban fabric of Mardin are analysed. In the fifth part, the materials, mortars and construction techniques are examined; the production phases and application methods of traditional construction materials such as stone, adobe, wood, iron, lime, gypsum, surface coat and mortar and construction mortar components are explained. In the sixth part construction techniques are examined and the tools which are used in traditional buildings and today's buildings are explained in a detailed way. In the seventh part the master builders, quarries and stone shops which are in the construction organization are explained. In the eighth part, the overall evaluation of the study is made and the necessity of construction knowledge is emphasized and some suggestions about new restoration and protection works are offered.