A research on causes of structural deterioration in historical Yeşilyurt (Malatya) houses

The main purpose of the research is to determine the causes of structural deterioration of adobe houses which were started to construct in the middle of the 19th century and composed the texture of the Historical Yeşilyurt Houses in Malatya city of Anatolia with rich cultural accumulation. The scope of the research is consist of nine historical Turkish houses which reflect local architecture of its period, located in Taze Değirmen Çıkmazı street of Hıroğlu neighbourhood of Yeşilyurt, Malatya. In the research, current status, facades and material properties of Historical Yesilyurt houses in Malatya, which are examined according to their plans, facades, constrution systems and location, are documented by photographs and building surveys. Subsequently, the mapping method is used to determine the causes of structural deterioriation. In the conclusion of the determined information, topography, air pollution, socio-economic factors, humidity and climate related causes have been shown as efficient causes of structural deterioration of Historical Yeşilyurt Houses. Key Words: Malatya, Yeşilyurt, Turkish House, restoration, Nondestructive analysis, deterioration mapping