Analysis of Vernacular Architecture Studies in Turkey

The definition of vernacular architecture varies in recent decades. Some scholars figure the term as examples of old, rural, vernacular, pre-industrial buildings, some define it as common building of any sort. Turkey is a very rich and unique geography in terms of vernacular architecture and recognizing the diversity that the subject has reached, the studies increase and vary. The main interest of this paper is to explore the continuities and changes in vernacular architecture studies in Turkey. The research uses a quantitative method by analysing postgraduate theses written in the universities. The theses, which are open to access in the Higher Education Council Thesis Centre are scrutinised according to their subject matter, scope, content, methodology and case studies. The aim is to identify and categorize the approaches on vernacular architecture in Turkey and thus to develop an academic self-assessment by creating a data-based ground for theoretical discussions in the field.