Examination of some examples of residences in Çukurca urban site area (Plan and architectural)

Humanity, as it transitioned towards settled living, constructed permanent shelters to serve the need for housing and protection. Various natural materials were utilized in the construction of these shelters. The traditional architectural style developed from ancient times to the present day and has been adapted to fit the geography. In Hakkari province, the multi-story traditional stone houses located at the southern foothill of Çukurca Castle in Çukurca district exhibit historical significance. Situated within the urban conservation area of Çukurca, these traditional stone houses are nestled into the steep slopes of the castle. This settlement, integrating housing, security, and natural conditions, has formed an aesthetic silhouette. Although there are no inscriptions regarding the construction process of these houses, it is believed that they were built after the first half of the 17th century. Constructed using local stone and lime mortar, the houses are designed as two, three, and four stories, each with distinct floor plans. The structures are planned to make the most of the terrain's slope, with each floor's entrance arranged accordingly. Examples exist of houses with a single entrance as well as those with different entrances for different floors. The architecture of these houses appears devoid of decorative elements, exhibiting a simple appearance. The intermediate floors and roof coverings of the houses feature flat wooden-beamed joists covered with soil. In this study, twenty traditional stone houses located within the urban conservation area of Çukurca were examined. The plans, sections, and elevations of these structures were drawn, and their architectural features were analyzed within the discipline of art history. The houses were evaluated both internally and in comparison to other surrounding structures. The primary objective of the study is to elucidate the architectural characteristics of the multi-story stone houses on the slope of the castle, which represent the traditional architecture specific to the Çukurca region, aiming to preserve the historical fabric and provide cultural enrichment for future generations.