An analysis on the urban tissue and historic buildings of Yarıyakup urban conservation area in the city of Adana

An area in the city centre of Adana for 80 hectares was chosen to be 3rd degree Archaeological Conservation Area by Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection Board of Adana in 1994. This area consists of three different urban conservation areas called Tepebağ, Sarıyakup and Kuruköprü. Sarıyakup Urban Conservation Area covers the whole of Sarıyakup neighborhood as well as parts of Ulucami, Türkocağı and Beş Ocak neighbourhoods. This part of the city was suggested to be settled by Ramazanoğlu dynasty during Ramazanoğulları Sultanate in XVth and XVIth centuries. The area houses the Grand Mosque, Madrasah of the Grand Mosque, Harem, Ramazanoğlu Bazaar and Bazaar Bath. In addition to mosques, baths, monumental buildings, such as government office which was built in the XIXth century, traditional houses had also been built in the area in the beginning of XXth century. This research attempted to identify and discuss cultural values of Sarıyakup urban area, which reflects Ottoman neighborhood structure, qualities of traditional houses which still can be observed, as well as the process of urban transformation and conservation problems. Many of the traditional houses in Sarıyakup Urban Conservation Area have courtyards and inner halls (sofas) in upper floors. The facades of the two storey houses usually have single bays. It has been ascertained that traditional houses in Sarıyakup Conservation Area have different characteristics compared to the ones in Tepebağ, Kayalıbağ and Ulucami neighborhoods. In conclusion this study stressed the need to restore traditional houses and improve the urban environment in Sarıyakup Urban Conservation Area in order to sustain the unique qualities of this part of the city.