On the trail of şirnak urban history: e3valuation of toki housing through architectural context criteria

Buildings cannot be evaluated independently of the physical, cultural, and social environments in which they are formed and used. Particularly in housing design, it is evident that architectural context plays a decisive role. This study aims to evaluate the housing units constructed by the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ) within the scope of the urban transformation process in the 1st Region, 2nd Stage (İsmetpaşa–Gazipaşa) of Şırnak city center, in line with the architectural context criteria defined by Jane Anderson. The evaluation is conducted under the headings of topography, physical environment, climatic conditions, orientation, material usage, and socio-cultural life. Due to its geopolitical location, Şırnak has hosted different civilizations throughout history and has a multi-layered urban history. In this context, the study examines the city's settlement process through its first settlement areas, directions of development, local architectural character, and structures that hold an important place in the city's memory. The historical and spatial background presented provides a fundamental basis for evaluating the relationship between TOKİ housing and the existing urban fabric and local context. The findings of this study go beyond establishing a foundation for understanding the urban history of Şırnak; they also serve as a valuable resource contributing to the literature on defining the concept of context in architecture and evaluating context criteria through TOKİ housing projects. Keywords: Architectural Context Criteria, Urban History, Urban Development, TOKİ, Şırnak.