DECORATIVE ARTS IN TRADITIONAL TURKISH HOUSE IN THE CONTEXT OF SPACE DESIGN: AN EVALUATION

Abstract

The traditional Turkish House is an original piece of architecture, which reflects Turkish family structure as well as their understanding of culture and art, their beliefs and social values about the spaces they live in. The structure of the physical environment, the lifestyle of the family, and social and psychological needs alike have contributed to the development of this original architectural structure and shaped its design aspects. Rooms in a Turkish house are spaces for private use and are organized such that they can cater for all activities of a family. The same room boasts a hearth to heat the space, a divan to sit on, a bathing cubicle to wash, and a closet to store sheets, blankets and other needs. The size of the rooms is planned according to the hierarchy in the family. Halls connecting the rooms are shared areas of use for all family members. Though the meticulous decorative arts and wooden craftsmanship on the ceilings, cabinets and door surfaces in a Turkish house can be thought to be based on the carpets and rugs used in the tents, traditional decorative arts such as woodcarving, kündekâri, and Edirnekâri have developed in time and acquired originality.

Keywords: Traditional Turkish House, woodcarving, kündekâri, Edirnekâri