An Important Space in the Traditional Turkish Life Culture: “Başoda” in Ottoman Period Nicosia Houses

Abstract

The traditional Turkish House was formed with the Turkish life culture, beginning with the tent in Central Asia; took its final form in the 19th century and became the typical housing character in Anatolia and other geographies under the sovereignty of the Ottomans. The planning scheme of the Turkish House, with an authentic characteristic, is designed with storeys and their use, plain front, oriel window, slanted roof with wide wooden eaves, hall, multi-functional rooms, and yard. Besides all these features, the largest and most important room of the house, forming an important characteristic, the Başoda (Mainroom) is designed by assessing the value given to guests in the living culture. The Başoda, situated in the most advantageous position in the house regarding illumination, ventilation, and scenery, also has an authentic quality in its interior elements of flooring, walls and ceiling, material, form, and ornamentation, and it in a way it reflects the traditional life philosophy. Having an important place in the rich cultural heritage of the Ottoman Period in Cyprus (1571-1878), 19th century Turkish Houses are designed by Turkish life culture, as in other geographies, and the Başodas are designed meticulously for guests, thus forming an important characteristic. Findings of this study, the importance given to guests in the Traditional Turkish Houses shaped with the traditional life culture, can be observed in the Başodas of 19th century houses in Cyprus.