Use of iron and steel materials in architecture - an investigation within the context of traditional structures in Tarsus

Before industrial production, materials such as stone, brick, mud brick and wood were used in structural design, while materials such as metal and glass joined buildings as non-structural elements due to the difficulties in production and resources. After the industrial revolution, materials such as iron, it's alloy form steel, glass and concrete, caused new architectural understandings and different building forms to be created depending on the new construction techniques developed. The process of using new materials in Turkey did not progress in a similar way to that of Europe and America, and the participation of new materials in architecture occurred in a conservative and traditional manner. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the use of iron and steel materials in architecture over the traditional buildings which are located in Tarsus. For this purpose; 29 traditional buildings located in city center are examined in terms of the structural uses of iron and steel materials within the context of alcoves and façade details. Findings of the study, revealed that iron and steel materials are used in three different types within the traditional buildings in Tarsus. It's seen that two of the uses are applied in contemplation of preserving the originality of the structures, while the third use comprised of additions for the purpose of renovation which affected the originality of the structures. As a result of the study it can be concluded that, steel was used for primary bearing elements in the cantilevers with structural purposes, while secondary support elements or decorative elements called as 'Furus' in the cantilevers of traditional buildings in Tarsus were made with iron.