Evaluation of the Material-Protection Sustainability Relationship on the Identity of Traditional Settlements

Settlements are important units that contain different features in their structure. In addition to elements such as topography, climate, vegetation, and socio-cultural structure, the character and identity of these settlements are shaped by structural characteristics, spatial fiction and building materials within the settlement. Particularly in the traditional settlement textures, material as stone, wood or adobe is an important parameter that influences the characteristics and identity of these areas. In this context, material is undoubtedly one of the most defining features of the identity of the settlement which is with structures built using adobe. Adobe is effective on many different issues in traditional settlements. In this context, adobe, a local material, is a decisive factor in the character and identity of traditional settlements, especially as it reflects traditional construction practices and is unique. The aim of this study is to examine the role of adobe in the formation of the characteristic of the settlements and to develop suggestions for the sustainability of this characteristic. In the scope of the study, as first, the definitions of protection and sustainability concepts and their place in the literature will be covered. Then the concepts will be considered as material-oriented. Following these reviews, material-focused conservation and sustainability will be detailed in the sample settlement. In this context, adobe settlements in Malatya / Turkey region will be discussed. It is believed that the study will contribute to the protection of these settlements by examining the qualifications of material, which is an important characteristic of traditional settlements.