Vernacular architecture

The vernacular architecture can be approximated to have occurred 200 years ago
which entailed beehive-domed houses of Harran in the southeastern region of
Turkey. The few studies that have been published about these houses mainly
address the ancient buildings in the entire area, rather that the vernacular houses.
This paper therefore presents information about the beehive-domed houses in
Harran as well as their history, their present situation, relation to nature, value as
relics of cultural heritage, and the current policies in place for their protection. In
presenting this information, the author expects to contribute toward the
management and protection policies of this valuable area.
Introduction
Harran is located in upper Mesopotamia a place called Al-Jazira, 44km to the
southeast of Urfa, Turkey. This is a very important area to world cultural heritage
and it is registered for archaeological and urban protection. The dense doomed
houses of Harran are a living example of a regional building culture that dates back
to ancient times. It is also widely accepted as one of the most ancient settlements
in Anatolia and Mesopotamia. This is a well known area for hosting various religions
and civilizations since the ancient times, entailing the polytheistic and the pagan.
Actually, Harran was a very significant centre for paganism where the sun, moon
and other planets were blessed, and the social cycle was molded according to this
belief system. Traditional settlements such as this provide patterns of material
heritage and they also act as symbols that ensure the representation of local
cultural relationships. To sustain such settlements therefore the culture that created
them originally should be socially accepted. Such settlements help in learning
about traditional houses and past cultures for the future generations. The
vernacular houses in Harran have provided shelter and valued lifestyle for a long
time to the region of Mesopotamia and they adhere to original patterns that have
survived for centuries, through to this day. The structure of this houses highlights a
different architectural format from that of Harrans more modern houses. This city
entails various symbols collected from the wide range of civilizations that have
called it home, many of which attained the highest levels of urban structure as far
back as the Middle Ages. Despite the different structures and culture being
practiced today, the Harran houses have an architectural magnificence that
continues to display unique qualities of the ancient times which needs protection.
The Harrans domed-houses define a complex heritage of how the ancient
architecture can be used to influence the creations of todays new architecture.
There is a major problem that the Harran houses experience which is lack of
consistent policies and sanctions to protect the unique heritage of the city. In 1979
the urban settlement of Harran was declared a protected area and in 1992 a
development plan for conservation was declared. However, neither of the two has
been able to actually conserve the structures in this area. This is because the local

administrations of the area lack a motivation to follow the laid down plans because
they lack strict sanctions . In addition, the local people lack consciousness of the
importance to retain these houses as examples of an heritage of a shared culture.
Problems in this area also occur as a result of the growing population which has
triggered economic and social changes. Such changes have broken the emotional
connection that has existed for a long time between the people of Harran and the
local architecture. Despite all this drawbacks however, with the right policies for
local protection in place, the remaining vernacular houses still convey the historical
architectural values embodied by the Harran material culture. The right protection
policies combined with economic and social qualities which the Harran public has
valued historically can provide the necessary protection. This requires total
awareness which goes beyond repairing the houses. A consistent approach to deal
with the houses of the vernacular architecture product should therefore be
embraced.