Traditional Architecture of Bodrum : The Factors Generating and Affecting the Architectural Culture and Identity

Anatolia, home of many civilizations throughout centuries, is loaded with substantial cultural and traditional accumulation. Unquestionably, settlements are the most significant indicators of this accumulation. Several regions of Anatolia house various examples of settlements thus far as antiquity. The architectural culture and identity of Bodrum in Western Anatolia, with its impressive nature is considered different from the Ottoman Architecture unique to Central Anatolia and Rumelia. The unique architecture in the Peninsula originates from the ever-continuing interactions with the opposite coasts rather than inland, therefore is considered as a transitional area, and classified within the Island Architecture. The unique natural and built environment of Bodrum has undergone a tremendous change after 1960’s. This modest fishermen town, with plain, white cubic houses, once depending on agriculture, fishing and livestock breeding, had turned into the most famous touristic resort of Turkey in 40 years. Especially after 1980’s, immigration and urban sprawl became serious threads for the distinguished identity of the town. Instead of the today’s existing approach in preservation which is rather fetishistic towards the traditional houses, preservation of traditional life-style that has already been replaced by tourism, seems more meaningful for the future of the peninsula which once has been so attractive for many. Therefore, here aimed is to expose and remind the life-style that generated the unique architectural culture and identity of Bodrum before 1960’s by a detailed literature survey and point out the factors that had a significant role in the generation of traditional architecture.