Traditional Building Materials

Traditional construction materials consist of substances sourced directly from nature in pre-industrial periods, requiring minimal processing and applied through local craftsmanship. Stone, wood, adobe, bat, brick, plaster, and plant-based additives belong to this category. Material selection is not based solely on economic or practical considerations; it is shaped by a synthesis of environmental and sociocultural factors such as climate, geography, vegetation, and cultural heritage. The presence of these materials in structures signifies more than just a physical component—it reflects the relationship established with the environment and the expression of local technical knowledge.

In regions encompassing diverse geographic zones such as Anatolia, these materials have been uniquely defined and adapted through local terminology (e.g., kırcom, möhre, kündekâri). Local accumulations of technical knowledge have enabled buildings not only to endure structurally but also to ensure climatic comfort and cultural continuity.

Earth-Based Materials

Adobe is an earth-based construction material produced by mixing water, clay, straw, and sometimes lime in specific proportions, shaping the mixture into molds, and drying it in open air. Determining the appropriate soil structure and additive ratios is crucial for both durability and thermal balance. Its compatibility with local production, low energy requirements, and natural adaptation to climate have ensured its widespread use across diverse geographies throughout history.

In regions such as the Lake Van Basin, a more durable material known as bat has been developed by substituting straw with plant fibers called kırcom in adobe production. The high structural fiber content of kırcom enhances the resistance of bat material in climates prone to moisture or freezing conditions. The production of bat involves carefully executed stages: first, the soil is sieved to remove coarse particles; then, it is mixed with additives to form a cohesive paste; finally, the mixture is poured into molds and dried in the sun.

The composition of the soil (clay, silt, sand ratios) and the type of fiber used determine the material’s resistance to cracking, its thermal insulation capacity, and its service life. In traditional practices, these processes were transmitted from generation to generation through skill and observation.

Natural Stone Usage

Stone stands out among traditional construction materials due to its high density, hardness, and resistance to wear, making it one of the most durable. Types of stone such as limestone, basalt, andesite, and tuff were selected based on the region’s geological characteristics and employed in various building types. The dual use of stone—as both a structural element and as a surface cladding or decorative feature—demonstrates the integration of functional and aesthetic applications in traditional architecture.

One notable example of stone usage is found in the traditional residential fabric of Mardin. The light-colored limestone extensively used in this region has become the foundational material of its architecture, valued for both its aesthetic and functional properties. The thickness of stone walls creates an effective thermal barrier between the exterior environment, which becomes intensely hot during the day, and the interior space. Simultaneously, the relatively soft nature of the stone has allowed local artisans to apply intricate carvings to architectural elements such as doors, windows, and niches. This demonstrates that stone is regarded not merely as a structural material but also as a cultural and artistic one.

Wood Usage

Wood has been widely used in traditional architecture as both a structural and complementary material due to its natural structure, ease of shaping, and structural flexibility. In humid and forested regions, particularly along the Black Sea coast, wooden frame systems and locally known “fırtına evleri” (storm houses) are classic examples of this practice. The load-bearing framework in these structures is typically made from durable local tree species such as pine, oak, or chestnut; the facades are closed with narrow planks or lath systems. Wood’s lightness and ability to absorb seismic shocks provide an advantage against seismic risks in these regions.

A prominent example of wood’s versatile architectural application is the Eşrefoğlu Camii in Beyşehir. Within the mosque’s interior, thick wooden columns that span wide spans and support the stone structure are particularly striking. These columns, extending along the building’s height, not only maintain the structural equilibrium but also impart rhythm, warmth, and material richness to the interior space. Thanks to wood’s workability, intricate carpentry details have been applied to column capitals, ceiling beams, and decorative elements, enabling structural components to simultaneously serve an ornamental function. This structure is an original example of how hybrid systems combining wood and stone have been successfully implemented, both from an engineering and aesthetic perspective.

Working with wood is not merely a matter of handling a building material—it is also a craft requiring high skill. Advanced carpentry techniques such as kündekâri, carving, mortise-and-tenon joinery, and other intricate joinery methods serve as indicators of aesthetic and technical refinement, especially in interior elements such as mosque doors, pulpits, and cabinet doors.

The art of carpentry in Anatolia has maintained an uninterrupted tradition since the Hittites; tools used at every stage—from felling and drying trees to processing and assembling them (saws, chisels, planes, wedges, etc.)—and techniques such as carving, joinery, and clamping have been passed down through generations. This body of artisanal knowledge has enabled wood to be regarded not only as a construction material but also as a cultural carrier.

Construction Techniques and Systems

Masonry Construction

The masonry system is a traditional building method in which materials such as stone, adobe, or brick are stacked vertically, with walls bearing the structural load. Walls are typically constructed with considerable thickness, providing both structural strength and thermal mass that helps maintain natural temperature balance indoors. During summer months, the walls delay heat transfer, keeping interiors cool; in winter, they retain internal heat for extended periods. Mortar is generally made from a mixture of lime, sand, and finely sieved soil; in some regions, lime-enriched earth or volcanic tuff additives are incorporated to enhance material adhesion and flexibility. Since masonry systems traditionally carry the entire structural load, openings must be limited and regularly arranged.

Wood Frame and Bağdadi System

The wood frame system is a construction technique in which the load-bearing skeleton is made of wood, and the voids between structural members are filled with infill materials such as adobe, brick, or earth plaster. This system has been widely used in forested and humid regions such as the Black Sea and Marmara areas. The primary framework is typically constructed from durable local tree species such as pine, oak, or gürgen. Due to wood’s elastic nature, it offers an advantage in seismic zones by absorbing earthquake loads.

The Bağdadi system consists of thin laths nailed at close intervals over the wooden frame and then plastered over. It has also been frequently used in interior partition walls and ceiling linings. This system became widespread in upper floors due to its rapid construction potential and lightness. To prevent wood decay, surface treatments and ventilation gaps were traditionally carefully planned.

Stone Masonry

Stone masonry is a traditional construction technique in which rough or precisely cut stones are bonded together with mortar. The type of stone used varies according to the region’s geological structure. For example, in volcanic areas such as Diyarbakır, basalt stone is widely preferred for its aesthetic and durable qualities. In such constructions, stone functions not only as a structural element but also as a contributor to climatic comfort. Thick stone walls retain heat slowly, keeping interiors cool during summer. In winter, they retain internal heat, enhancing energy efficiency. To ensure stones can be placed evenly, processes such as chiseling, cutting, and dressing are applied. Lime mortar is predominantly used; in some regions, traditional additives such as volcanic ash or saline soil are incorporated for reinforcement. In decorative stone facades, joint fillers become defining elements of architectural character.

Earth-Based Systems

In earth-based systems, building elements are typically composed of adobe or bat blocks. Adobe is produced by shaping a mixture of clay, water, and straw into molds and drying them in the sun. Bat is a denser and more durable building material developed in regions such as the Lake Van Basin by substituting straw with local fibers known as kırcom. In these systems, the foundation of the structure is typically raised with stone, thereby protecting the earth-based walls from moisture.

The durability of walls is directly related to the composition of the soil used (clay content, aggregate type), the quality of additives, and the drying process. After blocks are laid, the exterior facades are generally covered with earth plaster, which is also produced using similar mixtures and water-repellent additives. Traditionally, overhangs or roof coverings were extended above the upper portions of such walls to prevent water from reaching the facade.

Contemporary Approaches

Traditional materials are currently being reevaluated both for the preservation of cultural heritage and within the framework of contemporary architectural practices. Sustainability advantages such as low carbon footprint, availability from local sources, and ease of repair are bringing these materials back into prominence in modern design. In particular, the restoration of historic buildings involves reproducing traditional materials in ways that match their chemical and physical properties; material compatibility is decisive in preserving the authenticity of the structure. At the same time, the contemporary architectural pursuit of aesthetic continuity and reference to local identity is creating a foundation for the innovative reinterpretation of these materials in modern designs.