Traditional Timber Granaries as Rural Architectural Heritage in Anatolia
Architectural and Cultural Characteristics of the Sındırgı Granaries
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24239633 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Alev ERARSLAN (0000-0003-2458-8788, Istanbul Aydın University), Caner Göçer (Istanbul Technical University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue | 10 |
| Pages | 439 |
| Publication date | 2026-10-21 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Heritage (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2571-9408 • E-ISSN: 2571-9408 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/heritage9100439 |
| OpenAlex | W7223116719 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 7 |
Traditional timber granaries constitute an important component of Anatolia’s rural architectural heritage, reflecting agricultural production, grain-storage practices, local building traditions, and rural life. This study examines the architectural and cultural characteristics of traditional timber granaries in the villages of the Simav River Basin in Sındırgı, Balıkesir. Fieldwork conducted in August 2025 combined architectural documentation, measured surveys, photography, typological, spatial, structural, material, and façade analyses, and informal field conversations with local residents. Three granary types were identified: the two-storied evli ambar, the half-sized yarım ambar, and the smaller kabak ambar. Field observations, local information, and previous research suggest that their differentiation may be associated with topography, household requirements, agricultural production, and storage needs. The granaries are predominantly constructed of resinous pine using a nail-free stacked-timber system joined through the locally termed kurtboğazı interlocking technique, of which two variations were documented. Raised stone supports, wide eaves, ventilated double-roof construction, and internal storage compartments demonstrate architectural solutions adapted to grain preservation and environmental conditions. The çardak, a semi-open porch in front of the granary, combines agricultural and social functions, while ornamental iron door hinges sharing motifs with locally produced Yağcıbedir carpets reflect connections between granary architecture and regional craft traditions. The Sındırgı granaries thus represent a distinctive form of local rural heritage in which traditional building knowledge, agricultural practices, craftsmanship, social life, and locally transmitted knowledge are closely connected.
Architectural and Urban Studies · Architecture and Cultural Influences · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation
| Highly cited | No |
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