Building techniques used in traditional Urfa houses

This study is about the material and building techniques of traditional Urfa houses. The main aim of the study is to document the materials and building techniques of traditional Urfa houses 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 7 parts. In the first part, the aim, importance, material and the method, extent and restrictions of the study; in the second part, the literature review; in the third part the history, geography and traditional urban fabric of Urfa are analysed. In the fourth part the materials and construction mortars of traditional Urfa houses are examined; the production phases and application methods of traditional construction materials such as stone, wood, iron, lime and construction mortar, construction mortar components are explained. In the fifth part building techniques of traditional Urfa houses are explained in a detailed way. In the sixth part, sustainability of the use of traditional materials and building techniques in today's restoration applications. In the seventh part suggestions on the use of traditional materials and construction techniques in conservation and restoration applications of traditional houses are presented.