A Review on Gaziantep Architectural Manzumes

Abstract

Architectural 'manzumes' are social organizations, which reflect the religious, cultural, social, and commercial structure of the society. Although the main structure of the manzumes are mosques, the purpose of construction is generally to meet local needs. In this context, manzumes can be defined as small-scale local folk architecture with one or two annexes besides the mosque structure. Although it is one of the most important works of our cultural heritage, manzumes have not been subject to adequate examination and research. Within the scope of this research, the manzume structures in the city of Gaziantep are examined. The fundamental materials of the research consist of structural determinations, survey studies and archival records for these structures. The study is a descriptive research and has a research design based on qualitative research techniques. In this framework, the basic characteristics of manzume buildings in the city of Gaziantep are described comparatively and examined in detail. As a result of the research, it is observed that Gaziantep Manzumes contain mosques, madrasah, and masjid building types. One of the features that make Gaziantep architectural manzumes different from the examples in other cities is the "kastel". Kastel is an underground water structure unique to Gaziantep city. Results of the study point out that these building groups are not considered and preserved as a whole, and therefore some structures are lost, and original values are destroyed.