Abstract

Çankırı province lies on the North Anatolian Fault zone, which is why the area suffers frequent minor earthquakes. On the other hand, Çankırı has experienced major earthquakes also. An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 shook Orta District in Çankırı and the surrounding villages on 6th of June 2000. The aim of this study is to record construction systems of traditional timber-framed buildings, which survived this earthquake, in Çankırı province of Turkey. In addition, investigate thoughts and experiences of the inhabitants in the region with regard to their traditional houses and 2000 earthquake is aimed. Research was undertaken in Çankırı province in 2005. Kalfat Yuva, Kısaç, Dodurga, Ortabayındır, and Aşağı Kayı Villages of Orta District were visited and traditional buildings were observed. Three timber-framed with masonry infill houses in Yuva Village, which show the characteristics of the traditional buildings in the region, were measured and drawings were made of their construction systems. These systems have demonstrated their resistance to earthquake-collapse in previous earthquakes. Timber-framed buildings in Çankırı province are an important part of the cultural heritage of this region. However, they are not constructed anymore, having been displaced by reinforced concrete construction. Reasons for is a combination of scarcity of timber, high cost of the construction, lack of experts about traditional construction systems, and preferences of the people in the region.