Examination of 19th century non-Muslim buildings through traditional civil architecture texture; Ürgüp example

Examples of domestic architecture widespread in the Anatolian region has been investigated from diverse perspectives in the domestic architecture research, which proliferated in the recent years. However, no research has been identified that examined the non-muslim Houses. Urgup, one of the most prominent settlements of the Cappadocia Region, is located twenty kilometres east of the Nevsehir city centre. Urgup has hosted numerous civilisations across history. Until the 1983 Population Exchange, Orthodox Christians and Muslim community lived together in this settlement with roots dating back to ancient times. Non-muslim community that has a considerable influence in the Cappadocia region immigrated, leaving their cultural heritages behind. Research is limited on the traditional house architecture that belongs to the non-muslim community, who holds a significant role in our cultural heritage. The purpose of this study is to examine and report on the Urgup Rum houses from the arts and architecture perspectives. The study provides insights of the relationship of the non-muslim community with the city and their socio-cultural and economic circumstances, in addition to the information provided about the Urgup region, its climate, topography and historical urban fabric. The houses of the non-muslim community have been analysed from the perspectives of art and architecture development, and accordingly, eighteen housing catalogues have been prepared. Conclusions are presented following the analysis of the house plans, facade structure, decoration characteristics and material-techique analysis.