Construction techniques of the vernacular architecture of the Eastern Black Sea Region

Abstract

The Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey has a special built environment with distinctive attributes to its nature, culture and vernacular architecture. Currently, building tradition of this culture is under threat of cultural and architectural homogenization, as it is common all over the world. Constructive techniques of the region have developed in various ways over time since the initial settlements. Granite stone and vast forest areas make up the sources of the building materials. Initially, structures used to be built with various techniques of rabbet using chestnut trees. However, the increasing rate of deforestation caused a shift to the usage of stone material for vernacular architecture. This research will contribute to the understanding of constructive techniques, which present unique properties; and to the literature, for being a source for future studies in the era that worlds' cultures are rapidly losing their properties against the globalization.