An Analysis of the Plans and Construction Techniques of Traditional Houses in Güdül

Abstract Traditions, lifestyle, and production styles determined by geography and religious beliefs, are among the factors that determine traditional architecture. Traditional houses built in different cities of Anatolia exhibit great diversity based on these factors. Ankara Province's Güdül District is a settlement consisting of unique houses constructed using stone and mud-brick masonry as well as timber framed system. Settlements that have preserved their original construction techniques and traditional way of life until today constitute important examples of Anatolia's rural architecture and cultural heritage. Güdül received the title of the first Cittaslow in the Central Anatolia Region, with its traditional houses located within the urban conservation area, prehistoric caves carved into rocks, Mzinos City, and Sorgun Pond. This study includes an examination and analysis of traditional settlement characteristics, traditional material and construction techniques, and plan schemes of Güdül. The study involves a literature review on Turkish houses and Güdül as well as documentation studies on building elements, construction techniques, and building materials in the field. The historical settlement and traditional houses of Güdül have been mostly protected from the rapid changes caused by tourism and the traditional settlement texture has been preserved to a great extent. However, the number of deterioration and destruction of houses in traditional settlements has been increasing recently, especially due to migration to Ankara city center, fire and neglect. This study aims to document the unique examples of traditional housing in Güdül before they disappear and to shed light on the intervention decisions that will be taken in the future for their preservation.