Traditional Village Houses in Şavşat and the Major Problems

Rural houses are significantly affected from the geographic conditions of their regions and thus reflect the conditions best. these houses are shaped upon the features of natural environment such as climate, vegetation, soil and lithological structure; on the other hand, they are formed by socio-cultural conditions, historic and economic conditions. the district of şavşat, situated in the borders of eastern part of the black sea is bound to the city of artvin, carries the marks of the region in terms of village house architecture. but it can also be said that, the district also reflects some of the features of the rural houses in eastern anatolia region. traditional village houses in şavşat are very attractive humane works in terms of their plans and structural techniques, and they have original parts such as kış odası (winter room), ayvan (quince), köşki and buhari; these houses have integrity with additions in which wood is commonly used as building material. but unfortunately, the number of concrete constructions has been increasing and present traditional village houses have been turning into ruins because of neglect. but these cultural heritages should be protected and handed down the next generations. on the other hand, they should be brought into prominence in terms of rural tourism which will make significant contributions to the region’s economy.