Investigation of the rural settlement texture and conservation proposal in Çoturtepe village in Sındırgı, Balıkesir

The natural and cultural layers of rural areas formed over time give traces of society. These areas are the most important units that reflect a society's lifestyle, culture and values. The architecture of rural areas also creates a unique identity with local materials and the residents' perception of space. In order to introduce and transfer this identity to future generations, many studies have been carried out on rural architecture and rural architectural heritage since the late 1800s. In this thesis, Çoturtepe Village, which was built with building materials specific to its region and is still significantly preserved today, was examined. The village is located in Sındırgı district, in the south of Balıkesir. On the old Balıkesir - İzmir highway, 63 km from Balıkesir. The district is located on the Sındırgı Plain, which is an alluvial plain. Traces of settlement in Sındırgı and its surroundings date back to the 7th century BC. B.C. to the region called Mysia in the Ancient Period. In 129, the Roman Empire came to power. In the 1300s, the region came under Turkish rule. Yoruk communities named Avşarlar, Çavdarlar, Çepniler, Türkmenler and Yağcıbedir were brought by the Ottomans from the Toros Mountains and other regions to the region, where Ottoman rule began in 1323. Çoturtepe village, founded in the early 1800s, is also a nomadic village. It is thought that the history of Zindan Rocks, located in the village settlement and used as a dungeon during the Roman Empire, dates back three thousand years. For this reason, it is estimated that Çoturtepe village may have been inhabited in the past. Within the scope of the thesis study, the rural settlement pattern of Çoturtepe was examined in terms of natural environment and built environment values, and suggestions were developed to ensure the protection and sustainability of the region. The study consists of five chapters including the conclusion section.