The influence of climate and privacy on indigenous courtyard houses in Diyarbakir, Turkey

This article explores the effects of climate and privacy measures on the characteristics of indigenous courtyard houses in DiyarbakA±r. It compares the characteristics of courtyard houses in Diyarbakir, Turkey, to houses in some Middle Eastern countries. The study sample consisted of fifty historical courtyard houses in DiyarbakA±r. The results of the study revealed that, like the similar houses in Middle East, there is a horizontal movement around the courtyard all year long and a vertical movement in summer units. But, within the scope of the study, it was found that some houses in the area have spaces that can be used in spring or autumn, in addition to summer and winter units. The findings also revealed that privacy measures had an important role in the space organization of the houses.