Traditional Rural Houses of Şavşat

The traditional rural houses located in Savsat, a district in Artvin, are unique architectural examples shaped by the region’s harsh climatic conditions, social structure, and cultural values. These houses are typically built using timber log construction techniques and are designed to accommodate the patriarchal extended family structure in which multiple generations share the same living space.

Architectural Plan and Spatial Layout

Savsat houses generally consist of 3–4 rooms. A common feature in their layout is the concept of a central space, which functions more like a hallway or corridor than a typical room. These corridors may be linear, L-shaped, or T-shaped, with rooms opening onto them. The main entrance usually leads into the interior via an "ayvan" (an open or enclosed veranda). Inside the house, transitional spaces such as "avlu" (courtyard) or "divanhane" (sitting area) are also found.

Rooms are equipped with built-in storage systems such as wall niches and shelves known as "terek," as well as "yataklık," recessed wall spaces used for sleeping.

Materials and Construction Techniques

1. Primary Building Materials

• Wood: The main structural element, typically sourced from local forests. Spruce, pine, and fir are preferred, especially straight, knot-free trunks.
• Stone: Used in foundations and certain walls to enhance durability. Stones are laid using a dry-stack method and reinforced with a timber framework.
• Earth and Clay: Used in some houses for insulation and to fill gaps in the timber structure.

2. Woodcraft and Master Craftsmanship

High-quality craftsmanship is a hallmark of these houses, especially visible in carved details on the wooden elements. Traditional master builders created intricate carvings on "kösk" (bay windows or balconies), which served both aesthetic and functional purposes—regulating light and airflow. However, due to the decline in skilled craftsmanship and the lack of knowledge transmission, these features have become simpler and less detailed over time.

3. Roof Structure

Roofs are typically double-pitched with a 20–30% slope.

They are covered with bedevra (also known as hartama), made from overlapping strips of spruce, pine, or fir, offering high water resistance. This technique was widely used until the 1980s and is now rare.

Eaves are extended to cover the "ayvan," protecting walls from rain and snow.

Wooden gutters are placed beneath the roof to manage rainwater and prevent damage to the foundation.

Windows, Doors, and Shutter Systems

Windows are typically small, fitted with wooden shutters called "akoşka."

Akoşkas protect the windows from cold weather and heavy snow or when the house is unoccupied for long periods.

When closed, a curved L-shaped iron bar is looped through a metal ring to "zirzala" (lock) the window, providing security and weather resistance.

Interior Layout and Furnishings

Rooms are furnished with broad, low "sekis" (built-in seating platforms) that invite people to sit close to the floor.

Walls are decorated with local handicrafts such as kilims and cecim weavings.

Cushions filled with wool, sheep hides, and floor mats are placed on the sekis.

Kitchen shelves ("terek") and sleeping spaces ("yataklık") are recessed into the walls to maximize usable space.

The guest room is a dedicated area usually not used by household members. It contains a bed, a table, a stove, and decorative kilims for guests.

Social and Cultural Context

The patriarchal family structure is a key influence on house planning and development.

The first house built is known as the “unity house.” As the family expands, new rooms are added or separate houses are constructed. Some added rooms are even dismantled from old houses and reassembled elsewhere.

This building style reflects the extended family system and the social fabric of the region.

Examples and Applications

• Savsat Timber Log Houses: A 2019 field study by Istanbul University documented the unique architectural layouts of these houses, focusing on corridor-room relations and usage patterns.
• Dogan Kuban’s book “The Turkish House” (1995): Discusses the psychological and cultural elements of Turkish domestic life, interior design, and seating culture.
• Abdullah Köse’s “Traditional Rural Courtyard Landscape in the Balıkesir Region” (2007): Explores the landscaping and environmental planning of rural houses.

Conclusion

The traditional rural houses of Şavşat are authentic living spaces that merge woodcraft, local materials, and cultural traditions. With climate-responsive planning, functional interiors, and rich cultural features, these houses represent a significant part of the region’s cultural heritage. However, with modernization and the decline in traditional craftsmanship, many of these unique details are at risk of disappearing.