A Study of Local Environment of Harran Historical Domed Houses in Terms of Environmental Sustainability

The aim of this study was to emphasize the close relationship between the local environment of the city of Harran and sustainability. In this study, the domed houses of Harran, a district in the province of Sanlıurfa located in the Southeast of Turkey, were studied to investigate the natural ventilation performance, climatic data and insulation properties of the materials used in the houses. In this paper, firstly, the physical environment parameters of the region were described. Then detailed experimental studies were carried out to determine the natural ventilation characteristics of the houses. The experiments conducted in this study were carried out on one of the most preserved houses in the city. The application of natural ventilation designed in contemporary buildings maintaining harmony with nature was discussed and some recommendations on the relationship between buildings and local environment parameters were presented. We strive to find the balance between the environment, and sustainability. Vernacular Harran houses present messages good harmony of nature with human being life in concept of a healthy environment, cleaner production, climatic building design and re-usable building material. The domed houses of Harran in the hot arid climate region are noteworthy examples regarding good design for a sustainable future. Houses’ extraordinary architectural features provide environmental comfort inside the houses without the need for energy consumed by air conditioning and other remedies. Harran houses are interesting samples that have reached daily life with the use of recycled materials and the construction-making period that reduces energy consumption. Houses offer solutions that respond to survival needs of inhabits as well as environmental comfort.