Structural Transformations of Traditional Architecture from Hittites to Ottomans in Bogazkoy

ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • 97-106 Structural transformations of traditional architecture from Hittites to Ottomans in Bogazkoy

Selin KÜÇÜK [email protected] • Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey

Received: October 2014 • Final Acceptance: January 2016

Abstract In this study, a regular and temporal transformation of construction techniques between Hittite Traditional Architecture and Ottoman Traditional Architecture has been examined. Traditional houses, as a production of a manuscript culture, reflect an economic growth by their scale and advanced construction techniques. Hattusha, as a capital city of Hittites in Bronze Age and Bogazkoy as a region that wealthy immigrants (Dulkadirogullari) settled in Ottoman Age had been developing cities of different cultures. One fictional Hittite house and an existing Ottoman House (Özelevi) are the archetypes. These two archetypes in the southern part of Çorum had emerged with same materials in the same region and had proposed almost same structural solutions to environmental conditions in spite of approximately three thousands of years between them. Mud brick, natural stone and timber were the only construction materials used in buildings in Anatolia, quite different from the materials of the modern world. Accordingly, culture may define planning characteristics, yet local properties qualify construction techniques. Many studies show that the local construction materials and technologies used in the past are more sustainable than the ones used today. Consequently, transformations and adaptations of architecture, which generates awareness of sustainability, explored in those regions may help develop a good understanding of how the local traditional architecture can still help the construction of sustainable settlements. A secondary study will also examine how energy efficient buildings were built in Turkey in the hope that these building types could offer lessons to resist against newly emerging concrete giants.

Keywords Hittite housing, Ottoman housing, Transformation, Traditional architecture, doi: 10.5505/itujfa.2016.39974 10.5505/itujfa.2016.39974 doi: Energy efficiency. 98

1. Introduction Thus every building and any specified Mesopotamia and Asia Minor nick- time through ages has its own identi- named ‘Motherland of Civilizations’ ty, like humans. In this sense, identity sheltered some of the wealthiest civ- of buildings are not changing because ilizations and cultures of the world their identities are different. The vary- through the ages. However, techni- ing things are ‘local techniques’ ac- cal and technological improvements cording to the experiential factor and caused economic reforms which even- ‘traditional characteristics’ according tually suppressed the growth of local to societies settled in. In addition to architecture have forced people to live this, architectural imitations such as in densely-built mega structures in certain hotels in Hattusha were emu- developing and industrialized cities of lated to Hittite, Ottoman or Ancient Turkey during last century. Thus villag- Greek buildings which do not have es and village houses have often been identity, are apart from the matters ex- deserted or abandoned. Transforma- amined in this research. These kind of tions from local architecture to con- imitations with their fake facades do crete multi-storey apartments show the not even symbolize any adaptations. chaos that emerged in architecture. Traditional houses were the most ‘Deconstruction’ of the key phras- developed house building types con- es and terms employed in this paper structed with local techniques apart would help the readers to get through from monumental buildings in pre-in- to the thesis being presented. ‘Trans- dustrial term. Target behind tradition- formations of Traditional Architecture’ al type’s enlarged dimensions in ac- was preferred instead of ‘Evolution of cordance with vernacular’s minimum Vernacular Architecture’ or ‘Develop- space are satisfying nonessential hu- ment of Local Architecture’ for the title. man needs in addition to functionality First of all, it should be noted that ‘local and supplementing cultural properties architecture’ is used in the meaning of on plan. architecture that constituted of local The Hittite Capital City Hattusha natural properties as local materials, and Modern Boğazköy Village, near local climate and local landscape. Tra- the Northern part of Central Anato- ditional architecture integrates local lia are situated on the slopes of a high properties with anthropological prop- rocky topography. There are the Elmalı erties like experimentation of local Mountains in the northwest side and construction techniques, cultural ad- Zincirli Mountains in the southern aptations and occupant’s requirements. side on which the highest point Kam- Either transformation, development or beli Tepe (1630 m) existed. The lowest evolution describe a ‘change’ during the level is Budaközü Stream which pass- time. However the difference is if they es through the Boğazköy settlement define a positive, negative or neutral plain, draws in Hattusha and reaches change. Due to the change observed to Kayalıboğaz Canyon (Figure 1 and in traditional architecture, both in the Figure 2). negative and positive, ‘transformation’ In Hattusha, a previous modest as a term was employed to define the village had existed which has then change. There is an architectural wealth changed into an Empire between 1650 from each social group either civic, tra- B.C. and 1200 B.C. Since thousands of ditional or monumental buildings in years, different civilizations with mis- Hattusha. Accordingly, since vernacu- cellaneous beliefs, traditions and tech- lar architecture identifies domestic ar- nologies have come to be established 1The reference chitecture rather than traditional and and settled in this location (Asurian, ‘Küçük, S. & monumental buildings, the term ‘tra- Hittite, Phrygrian, Hellenistic, Otto- Şahin, M. (2014). ditional architecture’ which involves man etc.) (1). Some traditional build- Archaeoacoustics: both domestic and monumental refer- ings from these cultures either under- The Archaeology ences, has been preferred. ground or on earth are now struggling of Sound. Linda C. Eneix (ed.), The Despite having similar materials and to survive with the modern world. OTSF Foundation: invariable environmental conditions, Some of them are still being used by Florida’ involves construction techniques improve cu- villagers although they would like to interactive sections mulatively in a local environment. live in better conditions. of Hattusha which varies by ages. ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • S. Küçük 99

Figure 2. Boğazköy village and Hattusha Figure 1. Borders of Çorum which contains (Seeher, 2011). Boğazköy in southern part (Source: author). buildings were photographed and their This study aims to generate a back- construction details examined (Figure ground for prospective energy efficien- 19). However, literature was researched cy comparison of Hittite Housing and for unobtainable information of con- a specific Ottoman House which were struction techniques and building ele- built in Hattusha. Because of having lit- ments such as chimneys and openings tle evidence about Hittite construction, within the walls. The study specially prospective efficiency results would be benefitted from Jürgen and Ayşe See- taken from an idealized reconstruc- her’s experimental archaeology stud- tion model of a fictional Hittite house. ies, Naumann’ s texts on Hittite archi- However, the Ottoman house which tecture, Peter Neve’s observations and still stands and partially in use would interpretations on Hittite construction. give nearly correct results with respect to its exact three-dimensional model. 2. Transformations of traditional Two and three-dimensional drawings architecture in Hattusha and energy calculations would be done The cumulative experience of build- both manually and by utilizing coming materials’ behavior and structural puter-based programs. solutions have improved over thou- It is essential to explain how and sands of years. Structural solutions with whose aid the fictional Hittite developed according to sensory obser- House’s prospective model was re- vations until modern science accessed constructed. Initially, the extant local the technology to get climatic data. There is evidence that shows early small and scattered settlements from Chalcolithic Period in Hattusha around Büyükkaya Region. The Lower City and Büyükkale Regions were the settlements that had been used especially by Assurian Trade Colonies and afterwards, in Karum Age (Figure 5). Buildings were generally unsymmet- rically planned, even though they had similar planning organizations with Hittite Houses. From Hittites to late modern settlements in Hattusha, fire places, chimneys, openings, roofs and water management systems of houses have been transformed. However, building materials and construction technics are almost similar in these systems. Non-ex- istent prop structure of solid walls in Hittite architecture were presented lat- er on just as in the case of Özelevi. Figure 4. Section of Hattusha (Source: Selin Küçük, Echopolis, Instinctive treatments and further 2013). methods of rural area construction

Structural transformations of traditional architecture from Hittites to Ottomans in Bogazkoy 100

rically straight and smoothly divided spaces and level differences of grounds observed in separated spaces. Both have unitary planning characteristic.

2.1. Fireplaces and chimneys Chimney construction has proceed- ed by stages until modern intra-wall, intra-pavement or extra-tubular systems using varying materials. Com- parisons between ovens of any Hittite House and Ottoman House indicates that the smoke occurred by the oven removed from interiors through different systems. Hittite probably ejected smoke via holes in housetops in Hit- tite age. The two ovens in the central rooms of Gal Mesedi House, which are Figure 5. A house in Büyükkale from Karum not attached to the walls, support this Age (Source: Naumann, 1991). idea (Figure 14). Baytin quotes Assuri- an houses description in Koyuncuk as have emerged, because people had an example. In the description, there reached this region coming from many are circular planned domed houses cities. In fact, Özelevi has acquired described with a hole in the centre of slightly different characteristics com- domes (Figure 6). That represents an pared to the village houses. It has larg- oven in the centre of the living area and er windows instead of small windows, smoke emitted via an opening on the hipped roofs instead of plain roofs and top. Dome’s function is to gather smoke are of enormous size instead of the before emitting. There are no circular modest size of the rural counterpart. planned buildings except a Turkish In other words, Özelevi doesn’t reflect Bath (hamam) and Byzantine Church the ordinary characteristics of most in Hattusha. Since most of the exam- of Boğazköy local houses for having ples, even a high status person’s or a registered design anxiety of an Otto- villager’s, are quadri-laterally planned, man house. However, it is an adapta- and there may be an inter-relation tion attempt of an Ottoman House to for chimney systems. Thus, there was Boğazköy Village houses. The modest probably a hood uptake raised from Boğazköy Houses that are still partially Hittite House’s flat roof (Figure 7). in use reflect the in-between period of Additionally, there should be a wood- time from Hittites to Ottoman Age. en cover which was accessible with a Both traditional houses from Hittite deck ladder to shut the opening. How- and Ottoman periods have geomet- ever, double roomed simple-planned houses have been found in Büyükkaya

Figure 6. Koyuncuk Houses (Source: Baytin, Figure 7. Fireplace and chimney of a Hittite house (Source: 1951). author).

ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • S. Küçük 101

Dark caves and underground spaces which have no openings except an entrance were the initial shelters that people hid and protected themselves from strenuous environmental conditions. Caves became insufficient shelters since people needed to con- nect with natural light. Therefore, by constructing their own roofs and wall covered spaces with a hole at the top, they let the light come in. Immediately afterwards, more openings have been created on the wall in order to establish connections with nature biologically and psychologically. There are such im- Figure 8. Filled fireplace of Özelevi (Source: author). portant innovations as the transition from Early Hittite Age, where there is from circular plans to rectangular floor an inner wall façade attached next to a plans and the use of different materials fireplace. This informs us about an -un to build walls which directly affected usual application for ejecting smoke. the door and window constructions. Here, there is a clay pipe system which It is known that openings placed extends from the fireplace upwards by within exterior walls or roofs were drilling the exterior wall (Naumann, formerly closed with covers made of 1991). wooden, cotton and similar materials It is known from Hattusha ruins that (Baytin, 1951). Hittites probably also Hittite fireplaces had a simple struc- utilized same techniques to close small ture; semi-circular or rectangular in openings within the exterior walls of shape, which is made of compacted their houses. clay (Naumann, 1991). By the invention of glass and various shading and fencing systems in 2.2. Openings conjunction with their joint details and Openings affect human life owing insulation solutions, openings evolved to their shape, material and aesthet- through time. Even though Hittite ic appearance. These significant parts housing lacked this technology, mas- of buildings have been transformed sive mud-brick walls should supply a through the ages. However the previ- significant comfort level for interior ous applications have significant con- spaces. Integration of these technolo- tribution to the current implementa- gies would increase this level. tions. Chimney holes within the plain roof, as long as their covers are open, provide daylight.

2.3. Roofs Previous flat or dome shaped roofs that are made of the same materials with the walls and are generally constructed contiguous of the walls evolved into integrated exceptional systems having their own structure by using roof tiles or cladding materials. Disadvantage or weakness of clay material against humidity and raining activity has been removed by utilizing these water-resistant materials and systems. On the contrary, eaves and hipped roof are used in traditional Turkish House Figure 9. Various interior and exterior windows and doors from as it can be seen in Özelevi. Özelevi (Source: author).

Structural transformations of traditional architecture from Hittites to Ottomans in Bogazkoy 102

2.4. Water management/sanitary installation Several Hittite Dams in Anatolia show their advanced knowledge and technology in water management systems. Furthermore, one of the dams is very close to Hattuşa, in Alacahöyük. In Hattusha, in Hittite Age, drainage systems diffused various houses on the narrow streets. This supports the idea of the presence of water management systems that were supplying water Figure 10. Prospective reconstruction of a Hittite House mostly from the local water sources. (Source:author). (Seeher, 2011) Organization and a permanent con- sideration of waterworks were facili- tated by the foundation of the General Directorate of Civil Works (Bayındırlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü) in 1914 in Turkey. Moreover, drinking water had been supplied to Ankara the capital city of Turkey and the closest big city to Boğazköy by opening of the Çubuk- lu Dam in 1936 (DSİ, 2012). Özelevi does not have sanitary installations, and even though its construction date is still not identified, it is believed to Figure 11. Reconstruction of a Hittite house in Lower City by U. have been constructed earlier than Betin (Source: Seeher, 2011). the times mentioned above. However, there is a hole within the entrance hall floor, drawing off interior water via clay pipes, streaming north-west direc- tion and reaching the retaining wall of the garden at a lower layer (Figure 15).

2.5. Prop structure Despite being solid walls, prop structure has been used in addition to lacing courses (horizontal elements) in many local buildings in Boğazköy in the last few centuries. However, according to Naumann’s observations and drawings, there were no vertical diagonal structural elements (props) in a solid wall even in another regions in ancient Anatolia. Yet all the supporting Figure 12. Local Boğazköy houses, sketches by Naumann in 1952 structural elements were vertical and (Source: Naumann, 1991). horizontal.

3. Proposal for a comparison of energy efficiency between Hittite and Ottoman housing Energy efficiency and renewable -en ergy became very important subjects in Europe after 1973 and 1979 oil crisis (Olivier, 1992). Over the years, energy efficient building technology improved Figure 13. Özelevi North-west façade (Source: author). and many new systems have been de-

ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • S. Küçük 103

Figure 14. Plan of Gal Mesedi House Figure 15. Plan of Özelevi (Source: author). (Schachner, 2015) (Source: Selin Küçük @ DAI). in conjunction with local climate based design (Hausladen et all, p.8). signed. However, it should be noted Heat transmission values of building that Hattusha village houses have been components would be determined ac- constructed for thousands of years in cording to TS 825. Because Çorum is energy efficient ways without any -so in the 3rd climatic region, given heat phisticated technologies. In addition transmission values for opaque and to this, integration of the new efficient transparent components should be technologies to these village houses used for calculations. Prevailing wind would yield much better efficiency -re (in winter session north-east 26.0 %; sults. In Turkey, since immigration of east 15.8 % and in summer session villagers to big cities and lack of build- southwest 12.3 %) is very significant ers, there is no more implementation to obtain passive ventilation through possibility of them except reconstruc- openings. tion of specific buildings to construct Exterior design temperature value such village houses. for Çorum which is higher than aver- Climatic data from the building’s re- age temperature of Tukey received -15 gion, orientation of building and inte- °C principally in order to determine rior spaces, dimensions of rooms and the heating load. Maximum raining openings, heating sources and types activity, which has been showed in the are significant parts of information table below, is in May. necessary to consider energy efficiency Since relative humidity is remark- of a building (Yılmaz, 2005). ably low in Central Anatolia and Ço- Climatic conditions are immediately rum is within a cold dry climatic zone, effective on local architecture. Highest building adaptations such as small comfort conditions for the users can be windows in order to keep warm air in- provided by consuming lowest energy

Figure 16. Wall ruins in Büyükkale A: infill and vertical wooden lacing course; B: mudbrick wall; C: horizontal wooden lacing course D: stone foundation (Naumann, 1991).

Structural transformations of traditional architecture from Hittites to Ottomans in Bogazkoy 104

side in winters and cool air in summers and thick walls as high heat insulation elements have appeared subsequent- ly. People constructed living spaces for themselves and their animals according to their observations without scientific climatic data for thousands of years. Present scientific data would probably show how comfortable spaces they generated by using common sense. Figure 17. Reconstruction of the walls in Great Temple, 1: foundation and socle stone blocks; 2: timber framework; 3:fill of earth 4. Conclusion and stones; 4: mudbricks; 5: wall plaster; Archaeological regions that are still 6: lime-plastered floor on a layer of packed in use or had been used for thousands earth (Source: Seeher, 2011). of years demonstrate temporal transformation of architecture. Turkey has a great fortune of having research on that sort of places. Especially, ancient sites surrounded within thick walls, which symbolize influential civilizations, are relatively preserved. Additionally, modern villages have more interaction with previous local architecture. An- cient Ankara Castle and the settlement surrounding by its walls, Old City of Gaziantep and further examples are available. Figure 18. Prop Structure of Özelevi Excavating living areas and col- (Source: author). lecting information of occupants and construction techniques was the initial activity of this study. Observations of local architecture through time shows that people learnt from previous experiences and improved construction techniques cumulatively over thousands of years. It is understood that every place has its own history and background as well as unique characteristics. However, this study can be seen as a prototype for studies to be conducted in other regions in Turkey to investigate history of Hattusha region according to its variable occupants and construction techniques. Figure 19. Sketches from Boğazköy houses (Source: author).

Figure 20. Average weather data of Çorum (Source: www.corum.climatemps.com, 2014).

ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • S. Küçük 105

Figure 21. Natural lighting and ventilation draft scheme of Özelevi (Source: author).

Figure 22. Natural lighting draft scheme of Özelevi that executed manually (Source: author)

Proliferation of modern industrial structing still ‘local’. Remembering cities may not change, yet rural areas what ‘local architecture’ means, would are still mainly preserved especially remove misunderstandings. Nature in Central Anatolia. There are clever talks and local architecture makes its buildings designed by sensitive people speech understandable. which are still waiting to be discovered. However, forgetting local architec- References ture and using only modern materials Aran, K. 2000, Barınaktan Öte: without traditional experiences would Anadolu’da Kır Yapıları, Tepe Mimarlık result in the world changing negatively Kültür Merkezi, Ankara. and would lead to forgetting the les- A. Müller-Karpe, E. Rieken, W. sons that can be learnt from the histo- Sommerfeld, Saeculum. Gedenkschrift ry. Second National Movement (1934- für Heinrich Otten anlasslich seines 1950) in Turkey and Post-modernism 100. Geburstags, StBoT 58 (Wiesbaden movement almost over the world made 2015) 189-209 1The reference a stand against contextually disconnec- Baytin, T. 1951, Bacalar tekniği, ‘Küçük, S. & Şahin, M. (2014). tion of modernism’s built environment yapısı, mimarisi ve Türk yapıcılığında Archaeoacoustics: from its natural and cultural environ- baca. İstanbul: İstanbul Matbaacılık The Archaeology ment. Especially, during Second Na- Climate, Average Weather of Turkey, of Sound. Linda tional Movement, existing traditional Corum Climate & Temperature, Avail- C. Eneix (ed.), The pattern of Anatolia had been consider- able online, http://www.corum.clima- OTSF Foundation: Florida’ involves ably surveyed and documented (Eyüce, temps.com/, Accessed 13 August 2014. interactive sections 2005). Çoban, A. 2013, Sungurlu, Boğaz- of Hattusha which The critical point is designing ac- kale yöresinin iklim tipleri ve bazı öner- varies by ages. cording to local information and con- iler. The Journal of Academic Social Structural transformations of traditional architecture from Hittites to Ottomans in Bogazkoy 106

Science Studies (V.6, I.3, p. 149-158) Anadolu’ da konut ve yerleşme (ed. Ab- Devlet Su İşleri Müdürlüğü 2012, basoğlu, H., Özdoğan, M., Tanyeli, U. & Hakkımızda: Tarihçe, Available online, Tapan, M.) ‘Hitit Krallığı’ nın başkenti http://dsi.gov.tr/kurumsal-yapi/hak- Hattuşa’ da konut’ (s. 99-115). İstanbul: kimizda, Accessed 12 August 2014. Tarih Vakfı Yayınları Eldem, S. H. 1984, Türk Evi: Osmanlı Olivier, D. (1992). Energy efficiency Dönemi-I. İstanbul: Türkiye Anıt Çevre and renewables: recent experience on Turizm Değerlerini Koruma Vakfı mainland Europe. Herefordshire: Ener- Eyüce, A. (2005). Geleneksel Yapılar gy Advisory Associates ve Mekanlar. İstanbul: Birsen Yayınevi Seeher, J. 2011, Hattusha guide: a Hausladen G., Saldanha M., Liedl day in the Hittite capital. Istanbul: Ege P. & Sager C., (2005), Climate De- Yayınları sign: Solutions for Buildings that Can Tayla, H. 2007, Geleneksel Türk mi- Do More with Less Technology, Basel: marisinde yapı sistem ve elemanları. Birkhäuser İstanbul: Türkiye Anıt Çevre Turizm İzgi, U. 1983, Pencere (c.1-2). İstan- Değerlerini Koruma Vakfı bul: Yay Yayıncılık Turgut, H.M. 2013, Hitit Konut- Küçük, S. 2013, Hittite Walls in ları, Unpublished Master dissertation, Boğazköy: A reconstruction of audio Trakya University, Edirne, TR. buffer zones through time,in: e-Pro- Yılmaz, Z. 2005, Evaluation of Ther- ceedings of Echopolis Conference, 29- mal Performance of Gypsum Stabilized 30 September; 1-3 October, Athens, Adobe (Alker) for a School Building in Greece, file 02-09-2013, student ses- İstanbul. Proceedings for the first in- sion, Selin Küçük. ternational conference living in earth- Naumann, R. (1991). Eski Anadolu en cities kerpiç’05, İstanbul: Istanbul mimarlığı. Ankara: Türk Tarih Kuru- Technical University Faculty of Archi- mu Basımevi tecture, pp 182-190 Neve, P. 1996, Tarihten günümüze

ITU A|Z • Vol 13 No 1 • March 2016 • S. Küçük