Village chambers and their architectural features in Turkish culture: The villages of Keskin, Kırıkkale

Authors : İbrahim Mutlu, Emine Saka Akın

Pages : 2330-2360

Doi:10.48146/odusobiad.1619587

View : 103 | Download : 146

Publication Date : 2025-12-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The replacement of human labor by machines due to advancing technology has changed the production methods in rural areas, simultaneously giving rise to various challenges and accelerating rural-to-urban migrations. The increasing migration from rural areas to cities in Türkiye since 1980 has significantly reduced village populations, leading to changes in the ongoing socio-cultural structure and the destruction of architecture due to neglect and abandonment. This study examines village chambers- structures built to host guests in rural areas and shaped by both natural and cultural contexts. Found across a broad geographical expanse from Central Asia to Anatolia, village chambers function as multifunctional socio-cultural hubs. Beyond their primary role as guest accommodation, they serve as a symbol of unity and solidarity, spaces for education, instruments of social regulation, and venues for entertainment and conversation during long winter nights. With the preliminary field study, 50 village chambers were identified in 10 villages, 43 of which were standing while 7 have been demolished. In addition, it was learned from village headmen and the elderly that there were once 97 village chambers across 27 villages. Data regarding villages and village chambers was obtained through literature review and field work. A survey study was carried out in the 28 village chambers that remain standing in the villages, and their typologies were identified by documenting their plans, facades, construction techniques, and material characteristics. In addition, village chambers that could not be entered were examined externally in terms of facade and material features. It was observed that these village chambers exhibited typological similarities to counterparts in other Anatolia regions. However, their numbers were steadily decreasing, and rural areas were deteriorating. As a result, it is essential to identify, protect and transfer these structures to future generations to serve as socio-cultural assets in the protection and development of rural areas in Anatolia. It is thought that this study will form the basis for future protection and rural development projects related to rural settlements and architecture in overcoming global problems such as intensive urbanization, climate change and epidemic diseases.
Keywords : Kırsal yerleşim, tipoloji, doğal ve sosyo-kültürel çevre, koruma, kültürel miras

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