Evaluation of rural architectural heritage in the context of cultural diversity: An example of Adana-Ceyhan

The formation of local structures in rural settlements were formed by factors such as the traditional way of life of the local residents, their livelihoods, climatic factors, topography and materials in the immediate environment. The main aim of the study is to investigate how the cultural diversity in rural settlements, which has been traditionally continued for generations, is reflected in the rural architectural heritage. In this direction, Burhanlı (Nomadic), Durhasandede (Alevi), Yellibel (Tatar), Mustafabeyli (Balkan Immigrant) and Adapınar (Circassian) villages belonging to different cultures in the Ceyhan district of Adana province are selected for case study. The villages were chosen because of keeping the ethnic original culture alive and hosting unique examples of these cultures. Within the scope of the study, the historical formation and development of the villages were examined and the settlements were evaluated, the current situation of 15 traditional houses from each settlement was documented, and the cultural effects reflected on the parcel organization in the settlement and the interior and exterior spaces were investigated and compared. As a result of the study, it can be concluded that culture is reflected in rural architecture, particularly in the detail solutions in the interior and exterior spaces rather than the spatial organization, that the architectural heritage in the rural settlements where traditional life is still maintained is under threat with unqualified interventions and that these original qualities should be recorded with the inclusion of intangible cultural heritage properties and preserved. Finally, a new form to be used for documentation of rural architectural heritage is proposed.