Rural Architecture of the Toros Mountains, Turkey

The Western Taurides (Turkish: Toros Dağlar) constitute an extensive and geographically isolated region characterized by high limestone mountains interspersed with numerous small basins. These basins, formed from ancient lakebeds, contain fertile soil that supports small, agrarian villages with strong local identities. These villages are intricately linked to the coastal areas through the traditional, seasonal migrations of the Yörük people and their livestock. Despite their seasonal movement, the Yörük are not nomadic but have developed a distinctive architectural vernacular.
Their architectural forms, crafted from locally sourced timber and unworked limestone rubble, include complex grain silos designed to keep grain dry, tower-like beehives intended to protect honey from bears, and temporary, windowless dwellings for shepherds and their dogs during the summer grazing period.
The primary objective of our project is to raise awareness about these unique architectural forms within both the local and broader academic communities before they are irretrievably lost. We aim to explore potential conservation strategies in collaboration with stakeholders and local authorities, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of these structures.