A Review of Hammams of the Southeastern Region of Anatolia

Abstract

The differences in the process of formation, purpose of construction, the extent and the materials of cultural heritage also render a difference in the decision making and approach to its preservation and restoration. However a common decision making in terms of preservation can be made in buildings that are located within the same compound or region that have a cultural continuity and that sustain similar typologic values. The hammams that are located within the boundaries of the Southeastern Anatolia Region remain as local and rear buildings depending on the climate of the region, the materials that are used and their construction techniques despite bearing common characteristics with many others that have been built in Anatolia. Forty hammams in the region have been reviewed in terms of their typologies, architectural values and the status they had been preserved in within the scope of this article and certain suggestions have been developed for the purposes of establishing common decisions in their preservation and their passing on to the future.