Traditional Mardin Houses and Safranbolu Houses

     Traditional Mardin Houses and Safranbolu Houses

Why are there differences between two cities where are in different regions? For example, Mardin and Safranbolu. These cities in different regions of Turkey. Mardin and Safranbolu houses are similar in that, they have specific traditional houses. In addition, both Mardin and Safranbolu are very famous with their traditional houses. During the years when Safranbolu and Mardin were becoming a popular destination for tourists, there was a constant stream of visitors to the traditional houses. There are some differences between them. First, facades of the houses are different from each other. Secondly, materials which are utilized are different. Third one is roof.

Facades of the houses are different from each other. First, traditional Mardin houses's facades are ornamented. In contrast, Safranbolu houses are more plain than Mardin houses. In Mardin, Arab-style architecture is located, whereas In Safranbolu, Ottoman-style architecture is located. Both Mardin houses and Safranbolu houses face south across.

The stone was used in building construction both in Mardin houses and Safranbolu houses. However, kind of stones are different from each other. Mardin houses are predominantly made from yellow limestone, whereas Safranbolu houses are made from hard and blue limestone. Courtyard walls resembling castle defenses, monumentally vaults, decorated arches and moldings are the most striking features of the Mardin houses. In addition, the door knockers have a distinctive form resembling the beaks of birds. In Mardin, doors, windows, and small columns are dressed with arches and various motif. In Safranbolu, on the other hand, houses have minimalist structure. However, they are generously made from very good quality wood.

The roof is different from each other. Safranbolu houses have roofs which are made from wood. In contrast, Mardin houses don't have roofs. In addition, there are terraces in Mardin houses which are uses in the summer. Besides, In Mardin, there are one type houses, whereas In Safranbolu, houses were grouped in 2 separate parts of Safranbolu. The first one is known as city and used for winters, and second one is called as summer house and used in summers. 

In conclusion, both traditional Mardin houses and Safranbolu houses have their own architectural specialities. There are some differences between them, such as facades, materials which are used, and roof.  It is clear that, these specialities are depends on climates of these areas. The Turkish art is expressed in its fragile woodwork, indoor knobs, banisters and carved wall ceiling decorations. The ornamental styles and elaborate carvings deport an elegant touch to these beautiful houses. It is a "must see" if you ever visit Safranbolu and Mardin.