Traditional Earthen Architecture: Konya, a Case Study of Intangible Heritage and Local Building Practice

Traditional earthen architecture is a process through which local building masters have used specific techniques, know-how, and skills encapsulating cultural values that have survived in local building traditions. The knowledge and practices of building masters and local communities that have continued through the building tradition in rural settlements constitute a significant aspect of intangible cultural heritage. Konya's earthen building culture is so specific that it embodies the practices, knowledge, and know-how of local building masters on adobe construction techniques and, the practices of maintenance, renewal, repair, and ornamentation of traditional buildings carried out by local peasant women. This study surveys the intangible values of Konya's earthen-building culture to develop an integrated approach to conservation. The data obtained for this paper from the architectural surveys of traditional buildings, on-site observations, photographic documentation, and in-depth interviews carried out with building masters, local people, and local authorities were gathered in July 2017 and September 2018 during fieldwork in cavus and Degirmenalti Villages in Huyuk, Sarayonu and Kadinhani.