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Examination of The Re-use of Traditional Courtyard Houses in Terms of Social Sustainability: The Case of Syria

Year 2025, Volume: 18 Issue: 3, 1476 - 1498
https://doi.org/10.35674/kent.1566450

Abstract

This study examines the historical development, functions across various cultures, and modern sustainability significance of courtyard houses. Courtyard houses have evolved to address different climatic and cultural needs and have been used for social interaction and cultural purposes. The study investigates the sustainability advantages of renovating traditional courtyard houses and how these structures can adapt to current needs while meeting social and cultural standards. Methodologically, a literature review was conducted to determine the necessary criteria for the social and cultural reuse of courtyard houses, and case analyses were performed. Additionally, the impact of transforming cultural heritage buildings to generate economic returns on architectural identity and the necessity of preserving social values are examined. Courtyards offer various functions based on their shapes and layouts. The importance of adaptable reuse for sustainable development is emphasized, and strategies for preserving historical buildings while enhancing their social and cultural benefits are discussed. In this context, the restoration and adaptation of the Baroudi House in Damascus is used as an example to demonstrate how traditional courtyard houses can be transformed into new functions while preserving their cultural and social values.

References

  • Abdullah, H., Taha, M., Omar, R., & Gawish, O. (2022) The courtyard and its functional importance in religious and civil architecture during the Islamic era. International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Studies (IJTHS), 2(1), 11-53.
  • Aboukhater, R. (2020). Culture-led urban development initiative in a world heritage city: The case study of the Old City of Damascus in Syria. ISPRS Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLIV-M-1-2020, 573–580. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLIV-M-1-2020-573-2020
  • Abu Osbaa, R., Darma, O. M. A., Al-Hassan, O. M., & Hassan, M. A. S. (2021) The impact of redesigning and using the inner courtyard on the functional and aesthetic structure in contemporary architecture from the perspective of interior designers and practitioners. Journal of Science and Technology: In Human Sciences, 22(1), 19-44.
  • Açanal, S., & Gönül, B. (2015). Geleneksel Urfa konutunun konukevi dönüşümü: Hacı Abo Evi. Beykent Üniversitesi Fen ve Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 8(1), 1–31.
  • Akalın, I. ve Halık, Ş., (2011). Türkçe Sözlük (11. Baskı) T.C. Atatürk Kültür, Dil ve Tarih Yüksek Kurumu Türk Dil Kurumu Yayınları, Ankara.
  • Almajidi, B. H., & Hameed, T. M. (2020). The role of the internal courtyard in organizing the function and shaping architecture. Journal of Engineering Sciences of the Union of Arab Universities .27(2), 135–146.
  • Al-Mohannadi, A., Furlan, R., & Major, M. D. (2020). A cultural heritage framework for preserving Qatari vernacular domestic architecture. Sustainability, 12(18), 7295. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187295
  • Baiz, W. H., & Fathulla, S. J. (2017). Urban Courtyard Housing Form as a Response to Human Need, Culture and Environment in Hot Climate Regions: Baghdad as a Case Study. International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications, 06(09), 10–19. https://doi.org/10.9790/9622-0609011019
  • Bekleyen, A., & Korkmaz, N. M. (2012). An evaluation of Akabe mass housing settlement in Şanlıurfa, Turkey. Konut ve Yapılı Çevre Dergisi, 28, 293-309.
  • Benli, A. C., & Tekin Banaz, H. (2024). Tarihi Kent Yapılarının Eğitim Yapısına Dönüşümü: Kadir Has, Bilgi, Mardin Artuklu ve Toros Üniversitesi Mimarlık Fakülteleri. Kent Akademisi, 17(4), 1361-1398. https://doi.org/10.35674/kent.1429161
  • Bullen, P., & Love, P. (2011). Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings: Sustaining an icon or eyesore. 2011 Construction and Building Research Conference (COBRA) Bildirileri, 1652-1662. https://espace.curtin.edu.au/handle/20.500.11937/37189
  • Dabbour, L. (2020). Morphology of quarters in traditional Arab Islamic cities: A case of the traditional city of Damascus. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 10 (1), 50-65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2020.11.004
  • Dali, A. (2024). البارود بيت. (Al-Baroudi evi). Suriye'deki Eski Eserler Ansiklopedisi. https://arab-ency.com.sy/artifacts/details/1243/3
  • DamaPedia. (2022). بيت فخري البارودي (Fakhri Al-Baroudi'nin evi) https://damapedia.com/house-of-fakhry-al-baroudi
  • Damascus University. (2008). ماجستير التأهيل والتخصص في ترميم المباني التاريخية وإعادة تأهيل المواقع الأثرية. تجربة وطنية رائدة في مجال تخصصه. Tarihi yapıların restorasyonu ve arkeolojik alanların rehabilitasyonu alanında yeterlilik ve uzmanlık alanında yüksek lisans derecesi... kendi uzmanlık alanında öncü bir ulusal deneyim. https://www.damascusuniversity.edu.sy/index.php?lang=1&set=4&type=1&id=7159
  • Delsante, I., & Zheng, C. (2018). Contemporary Chinese architects and type: Courtyard based case studies in Shanghai area. Athens Journal of Architecture.4(4), 289-404.
  • Dris, N. (2016). Tourism and heritage: The paradoxes of a risky relationship in the Maghreb. Athens Journal of Tourism,3(4), 319-327.
  • Eissa, M: (2022). The traditional courtyard house of Syria and Egypt: Sustainable adaptation of historic buildings in contemporary urban fabric. RepositóriUM, Minho Üniversitesi. https://hdl.handle.net/1822/75789
  • El-Wakil.A/Caravane Earth. (2022, Nov 26). Title of video [Documentary: Architect Abdelwahed El-Wakil]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arTivLicuEs
  • Elwerfalli, M. (2016). Contemporary Courtyard Houses of Libya [Doctor of Philosophy]. the University of Manchester.
  • Erarslan, A. (2020). Eyvanlı avlulu ev geleneğinde tipolojik varyasyonlar: Suriye, Mısır, Irak ve İran eyvanlı avlulu ev örneklerinin karşılaştırmalı analizi. İstanbul Aydın Üniversitesi, Mimarlık ve Tasarım Bölümü.
  • Fathy, H. (1986). Natural energy and vernacular architecture: Principles and examples with reference to hot arid climates. (W. Shearer & A. Sultān, Eds.). Chicago Üniversitesi Yayınları.
  • Fakhri Al-Baroudi Merkezi - Mimarlık Fakültesi - Şam Üniversitesi. (2023). Fakhri Al-Baroudi Merkezi. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075944227323
  • Forés, J. (2004). Courtyard housing: Environmental approach in architectural education. Barselona Mimarlık Okulu, Université Politècnica de Catalunya.
  • Gupta, R., & Joshi, M. (2021). Courtyard: A look at the relevance of courtyard space in contemporary houses. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 9(7), 2261-2272. https://doi.org/10.13189/cea.2021.090713
  • Hassan, N. M. (2003). Principles of architectural design of courtyard building types. Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
  • Le Corbusier. (2009). Şark Seyahati, İstanbul 1911 (A, Tümertekin Çev.). Türkiye İş Bankası Kültür Yayınları. (3. Baskı). İstanbul: Türkiye.
  • Major, M. D., Radu, A.-T., & Tannous, H. O. (2022). Spatial culture of traditional Syrian courtyard houses in Old Damascus. International Journal of Architectural Research, 16(2), 215-229. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJAR-01-2022-0013
  • Osman, D. (2009). A methodology for developing urban pathways of historical districts in Egypt. (PhD Thesis), Helwan University, Department of architecture, Faculty of fine arts.
  • Petruccioli, A. (2007). After Amnesia: Learning from the Islamic Mediterranean Urban Fabric. ICAR. https://books.google.com.tr/books?id=JIVOAAAAYAAJ
  • Ragheb, G. A., & Naguib, I. M. (2021). Empowering criteria for effective adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in Egypt. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning. 16(6), 1061-1070. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsdp.160607
  • Rapoport, A. (1969). House form and culture. Prentice-Hall. ISBN: 9780133956733
  • Sökmen-Kök, D., & Uşma, G. (2022). Yeniden kullanım ve özgünlüğünden uzaklaştırılan yerel kimlik ve mimari: Antakya Zenginler Mahallesi örneği. Turkish Studies, 17(3), 627-647. https://dx.doi.org/10.7827/TurkishStudies.62299
  • Sowińska-Heim, J. (2020). Adaptive reuse of architectural heritage and its role in the post-disaster reconstruction of urban identity: Post-communist Lodz. Sustainability, 12(19), 8054. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12198054
  • Ünlü, T. S. (2017). Kent kimliğinin oluşumunda kentsel bellek ve kentsel mekan ilişkisi. Planlama, 27(2), 53-65. https://doi.org/10.14744/planlama.2017.06078
  • Voordt, D. J. M. van der, & Wegen, H. B. (2005). Architecture in use: An introduction to the programming, design and evaluation of buildings. Oxford: Architectural Press. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380312162_Degisime_Aracilik_Etkin_Tasarim_ile_Surdurulebilir_Gelecege_Dogru
  • Yung, E. H. K., & Chan, E. H. W. (2012). Implementation challenges to the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings: Towards the goals of sustainable, low carbon cities. Habitat International, 36(3), 352–361.
  • Zein Al Abidin, E. M. (2005). The courtyard houses of Syria. In B. Edwards, M. Sibley, M. Hakmi, & P. Land (Eds.), Courtyard housing: Past, present and future (ss 41-53). Taylor & Francis e-Library. USA and Canada.
  • Zhang, D. (2017). Courtyard housing in China: Chinese quest for harmony. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 1(2), 38–56. https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2017.3647
  • Zhang, D. (2020). Courtyard housing around the world: A cross-cultural analysis and contemporary relevance. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA-2020), 6-8 May 2020. https://doi.org/10.38027/2020ICCAUA316235

Geleneksel Avlulu Konutların Yeniden İşlevlendirilmesinin Sosyal Sürdürülebilirlik Açısından İrdelenmesi: Suriye Örneği

Year 2025, Volume: 18 Issue: 3, 1476 - 1498
https://doi.org/10.35674/kent.1566450

Abstract

Bu çalışma, avlulu evlerin tarihsel gelişimini, çeşitli kültürlerdeki işlevlerini ve çağdaş sürdürülebilirlik bağlamındaki önemini incelemektedir. Avlulu evler, tarih boyunca farklı iklim ve kültürel ihtiyaçlara göre şekillenmiş ve sosyal etkileşim ile kültürel amaçlar için kullanılmıştır. Çalışma, geleneksel avlulu evlerin yenilenmesindeki sürdürülebilirlik avantajlarını ve bu yapıların sosyal ve kültürel standartlara uygun olarak güncel ihtiyaçlara nasıl uyum sağladığını araştırmaktadır. Yöntem olarak mevcut literatür taraması yapılmış, avlulu evlerin sosyal ve kültürel açıdan yeniden kullanılması için gerekli kriterler belirlenmiş ve bir örnek incelemesi yapılmıştır. Ayrıca, kültürel miras yapılarının ekonomik getiri sağlama amacıyla dönüştürülmesinin mimari kimlik üzerindeki etkileri ve sosyal değerleri koruma gerekliliği tartışılmaktadır. Avlular, şekiller, yerleşim düzenleri ve organizasyonları ile çeşitli işlevleri yerine getirebilecek esneklik sağlayabilir. Sürdürülebilir kalkınma açısından uyarlanabilir yeniden kullanımın önemi vurgulanmakta ve tarihi binaların sosyal ve kültürel faydalarını artıran stratejilerle nasıl korunabileceği ele alınmaktadır. Bu bağlamda, Şam’daki Baroudi Evi'nin restorasyonu ve adaptasyonu örnek alınarak, geleneksel avlulu evlerin kültürel ve sosyal değerleri korunarak nasıl yeni işlevlere dönüştürülebileceği gösterilmektedir.

References

  • Abdullah, H., Taha, M., Omar, R., & Gawish, O. (2022) The courtyard and its functional importance in religious and civil architecture during the Islamic era. International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Studies (IJTHS), 2(1), 11-53.
  • Aboukhater, R. (2020). Culture-led urban development initiative in a world heritage city: The case study of the Old City of Damascus in Syria. ISPRS Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLIV-M-1-2020, 573–580. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLIV-M-1-2020-573-2020
  • Abu Osbaa, R., Darma, O. M. A., Al-Hassan, O. M., & Hassan, M. A. S. (2021) The impact of redesigning and using the inner courtyard on the functional and aesthetic structure in contemporary architecture from the perspective of interior designers and practitioners. Journal of Science and Technology: In Human Sciences, 22(1), 19-44.
  • Açanal, S., & Gönül, B. (2015). Geleneksel Urfa konutunun konukevi dönüşümü: Hacı Abo Evi. Beykent Üniversitesi Fen ve Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 8(1), 1–31.
  • Akalın, I. ve Halık, Ş., (2011). Türkçe Sözlük (11. Baskı) T.C. Atatürk Kültür, Dil ve Tarih Yüksek Kurumu Türk Dil Kurumu Yayınları, Ankara.
  • Almajidi, B. H., & Hameed, T. M. (2020). The role of the internal courtyard in organizing the function and shaping architecture. Journal of Engineering Sciences of the Union of Arab Universities .27(2), 135–146.
  • Al-Mohannadi, A., Furlan, R., & Major, M. D. (2020). A cultural heritage framework for preserving Qatari vernacular domestic architecture. Sustainability, 12(18), 7295. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187295
  • Baiz, W. H., & Fathulla, S. J. (2017). Urban Courtyard Housing Form as a Response to Human Need, Culture and Environment in Hot Climate Regions: Baghdad as a Case Study. International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications, 06(09), 10–19. https://doi.org/10.9790/9622-0609011019
  • Bekleyen, A., & Korkmaz, N. M. (2012). An evaluation of Akabe mass housing settlement in Şanlıurfa, Turkey. Konut ve Yapılı Çevre Dergisi, 28, 293-309.
  • Benli, A. C., & Tekin Banaz, H. (2024). Tarihi Kent Yapılarının Eğitim Yapısına Dönüşümü: Kadir Has, Bilgi, Mardin Artuklu ve Toros Üniversitesi Mimarlık Fakülteleri. Kent Akademisi, 17(4), 1361-1398. https://doi.org/10.35674/kent.1429161
  • Bullen, P., & Love, P. (2011). Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings: Sustaining an icon or eyesore. 2011 Construction and Building Research Conference (COBRA) Bildirileri, 1652-1662. https://espace.curtin.edu.au/handle/20.500.11937/37189
  • Dabbour, L. (2020). Morphology of quarters in traditional Arab Islamic cities: A case of the traditional city of Damascus. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 10 (1), 50-65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2020.11.004
  • Dali, A. (2024). البارود بيت. (Al-Baroudi evi). Suriye'deki Eski Eserler Ansiklopedisi. https://arab-ency.com.sy/artifacts/details/1243/3
  • DamaPedia. (2022). بيت فخري البارودي (Fakhri Al-Baroudi'nin evi) https://damapedia.com/house-of-fakhry-al-baroudi
  • Damascus University. (2008). ماجستير التأهيل والتخصص في ترميم المباني التاريخية وإعادة تأهيل المواقع الأثرية. تجربة وطنية رائدة في مجال تخصصه. Tarihi yapıların restorasyonu ve arkeolojik alanların rehabilitasyonu alanında yeterlilik ve uzmanlık alanında yüksek lisans derecesi... kendi uzmanlık alanında öncü bir ulusal deneyim. https://www.damascusuniversity.edu.sy/index.php?lang=1&set=4&type=1&id=7159
  • Delsante, I., & Zheng, C. (2018). Contemporary Chinese architects and type: Courtyard based case studies in Shanghai area. Athens Journal of Architecture.4(4), 289-404.
  • Dris, N. (2016). Tourism and heritage: The paradoxes of a risky relationship in the Maghreb. Athens Journal of Tourism,3(4), 319-327.
  • Eissa, M: (2022). The traditional courtyard house of Syria and Egypt: Sustainable adaptation of historic buildings in contemporary urban fabric. RepositóriUM, Minho Üniversitesi. https://hdl.handle.net/1822/75789
  • El-Wakil.A/Caravane Earth. (2022, Nov 26). Title of video [Documentary: Architect Abdelwahed El-Wakil]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arTivLicuEs
  • Elwerfalli, M. (2016). Contemporary Courtyard Houses of Libya [Doctor of Philosophy]. the University of Manchester.
  • Erarslan, A. (2020). Eyvanlı avlulu ev geleneğinde tipolojik varyasyonlar: Suriye, Mısır, Irak ve İran eyvanlı avlulu ev örneklerinin karşılaştırmalı analizi. İstanbul Aydın Üniversitesi, Mimarlık ve Tasarım Bölümü.
  • Fathy, H. (1986). Natural energy and vernacular architecture: Principles and examples with reference to hot arid climates. (W. Shearer & A. Sultān, Eds.). Chicago Üniversitesi Yayınları.
  • Fakhri Al-Baroudi Merkezi - Mimarlık Fakültesi - Şam Üniversitesi. (2023). Fakhri Al-Baroudi Merkezi. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075944227323
  • Forés, J. (2004). Courtyard housing: Environmental approach in architectural education. Barselona Mimarlık Okulu, Université Politècnica de Catalunya.
  • Gupta, R., & Joshi, M. (2021). Courtyard: A look at the relevance of courtyard space in contemporary houses. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 9(7), 2261-2272. https://doi.org/10.13189/cea.2021.090713
  • Hassan, N. M. (2003). Principles of architectural design of courtyard building types. Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
  • Le Corbusier. (2009). Şark Seyahati, İstanbul 1911 (A, Tümertekin Çev.). Türkiye İş Bankası Kültür Yayınları. (3. Baskı). İstanbul: Türkiye.
  • Major, M. D., Radu, A.-T., & Tannous, H. O. (2022). Spatial culture of traditional Syrian courtyard houses in Old Damascus. International Journal of Architectural Research, 16(2), 215-229. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJAR-01-2022-0013
  • Osman, D. (2009). A methodology for developing urban pathways of historical districts in Egypt. (PhD Thesis), Helwan University, Department of architecture, Faculty of fine arts.
  • Petruccioli, A. (2007). After Amnesia: Learning from the Islamic Mediterranean Urban Fabric. ICAR. https://books.google.com.tr/books?id=JIVOAAAAYAAJ
  • Ragheb, G. A., & Naguib, I. M. (2021). Empowering criteria for effective adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in Egypt. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning. 16(6), 1061-1070. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsdp.160607
  • Rapoport, A. (1969). House form and culture. Prentice-Hall. ISBN: 9780133956733
  • Sökmen-Kök, D., & Uşma, G. (2022). Yeniden kullanım ve özgünlüğünden uzaklaştırılan yerel kimlik ve mimari: Antakya Zenginler Mahallesi örneği. Turkish Studies, 17(3), 627-647. https://dx.doi.org/10.7827/TurkishStudies.62299
  • Sowińska-Heim, J. (2020). Adaptive reuse of architectural heritage and its role in the post-disaster reconstruction of urban identity: Post-communist Lodz. Sustainability, 12(19), 8054. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12198054
  • Ünlü, T. S. (2017). Kent kimliğinin oluşumunda kentsel bellek ve kentsel mekan ilişkisi. Planlama, 27(2), 53-65. https://doi.org/10.14744/planlama.2017.06078
  • Voordt, D. J. M. van der, & Wegen, H. B. (2005). Architecture in use: An introduction to the programming, design and evaluation of buildings. Oxford: Architectural Press. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380312162_Degisime_Aracilik_Etkin_Tasarim_ile_Surdurulebilir_Gelecege_Dogru
  • Yung, E. H. K., & Chan, E. H. W. (2012). Implementation challenges to the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings: Towards the goals of sustainable, low carbon cities. Habitat International, 36(3), 352–361.
  • Zein Al Abidin, E. M. (2005). The courtyard houses of Syria. In B. Edwards, M. Sibley, M. Hakmi, & P. Land (Eds.), Courtyard housing: Past, present and future (ss 41-53). Taylor & Francis e-Library. USA and Canada.
  • Zhang, D. (2017). Courtyard housing in China: Chinese quest for harmony. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 1(2), 38–56. https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2017.3647
  • Zhang, D. (2020). Courtyard housing around the world: A cross-cultural analysis and contemporary relevance. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA-2020), 6-8 May 2020. https://doi.org/10.38027/2020ICCAUA316235
There are 40 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language Turkish
Subjects Sustainable Architecture, Architecture (Other)
Journal Section All Articles
Authors

Bayan Bwıdanı 0009-0008-4120-4866

Selin Yıldız 0000-0001-6913-6940

Early Pub Date March 30, 2025
Publication Date
Submission Date October 14, 2024
Acceptance Date March 4, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 18 Issue: 3

Cite

APA Bwıdanı, B., & Yıldız, S. (n.d.). Geleneksel Avlulu Konutların Yeniden İşlevlendirilmesinin Sosyal Sürdürülebilirlik Açısından İrdelenmesi: Suriye Örneği. Kent Akademisi, 18(3), 1476-1498. https://doi.org/10.35674/kent.1566450

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