From universal to local: Challenges of safeguarding the vernacular architecture in Turkey

Abstract

Contemporary studies on vernacular architecture have stipulated the adaptation of several actions by local and national authorities in favour of their safeguarding worldwide. However, there are significant challenges in the adaptation of international conservation approaches at regional and local levels, resulting from the limitations of the existing national legal frameworks and the capacities of authorities, and the incapability of developing effective conservation tools. In this context, the case of Sarayli town in Turkey clearly manifests how these challenges, emerging from the non-existence of notions defining vernacular in the national legislation, the unawareness of governmental bodies in attributing values to these sites, and the limitations of existing tools, such as conservation master plans suitable for historic urban areas, confine the integrated conservation of traditional rural settings. In conclusion, this paper will contribute to literature through introducing the case of Turkey and the challenges for the safeguarding of vernacular architecture at local and national levels.