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GAZIANTEP’S CIVIL ARCHITECTURE / 154
GAZIANTEP’S CIVIL ARCHITECTURE
When you look at Gaziantep’s formation
from past to present, one
can see that this city has a great
history behind its rich architectural
structure. Its city development
carries the typical characteristics
of an Islamic city. Its structural
development was done according
to North Mesopotamia tradition
meaning people settled around the
religious locations.
The dry climate and hot summers
brought out the idea of the courtyards
in houses. Families spent
most of their time in these courtyards;
therefore, they were called
“Hayat,” meaning life.
Prior to Turkish Republic, the parishes
were made with groups
from the same religion. It was not
based on finances. Muslims, Jews,
and Armenians lived in separate
neighborhoods.
Other than blue prints, the architecture
aimed towards production
and commerce. Around the forest
and the parish of Kozluca, many
caravansaries were built for commercial
reasons.
The streets were narrow and shaded.
In some parts, there were
houses with a tunnel beneath
them which were called “Kabalti”.
There are only six of “Kabalti’
which were able to survive.
There are little culde sacs cutting
streets vertically.
Besides the traditional buildings,
there are also modern buildings
like Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality,
Gaziantep Governorship,
Gaskispor Facilities which is
built on 110,000 square meters,
Open Air Theatre with 5,000 people
capacity, Kamil Ocak Stadium,
Chamber of Commerce,
Chamber of Industry, and
Gaziantep University.
GAZIANTEP’S CIVIL ARCHITECTURE / 155
Kastels
These structures were built as
part of the social development for
the public. They are considered as
a symbol of Gaziantep architecture.
Kastels were built underground by
humans. They are one of the unique
examples of water architectural
structures. They were built for
such needs like to freshen up, to
fulfill the thirst of public, washing
up for the prayers, and doing laundry.
They maintained their importance
to the date till each house had
plumbing and sewer system. Some
of these kastels, which still exist,
are listed as: Sheik Fethullah
Kastel, ‹hsan Masjid Kastel, Pisirici
Masjid Kastel, ‹mam-› Gazali
Kastel, Ahmet Çelebi Kastel, and
Kozluca Mosque Kastel.
Fountains
With the watering system called
“Kastel” and the water lines named
“Livas” going under the houses,
each house was able to receive
water running inside. Because
of this, there was never a need for
fountains in the public arenas and
the walls. It appears that the fountains
were only built near the
commercial sites.
Some of these historical water fountains
are Nuribey Fountain, Demirligane
Fountain, Arasta Fountain,
Huseyin Pasha Fountain,
Kumandan Fountain, Gümüfl Kastel
Fountain, Sehreküstü Fountain,
Osmaniye Kasteli Fountain,
and etc.
Hamams (Public Baths)
There are seventeen historical hamams
in the city of Gaziantep.
Some of these hamams, which
were able to maintain their originality,
are: Seyh Fethullah Hamam,
Hüseyin Pasha (Tu¤lu) Hamam,
Pasha Hamam, and Keyvanbey
Hamam, ‹ki Kap›l› Hamam,
Naib Hamam, fi›h Hamam,
Tabak Hamam, Old Hamam, and
Pazar Hamam.
One of the unique features of Gaziantep
Hamams, which separated
it from other hamams, is their insulations.
They were partially buried
underground to keep the cold
air out and hot air in. Because of
that, it is hard to notice Gaziantep
Hamams from a long distance.
These buildings stick out with
the aesthetic stone work on their
walls. Mainly, inside these structures
there are eyvans and halvets
meaning partially enclosed bathing
cubicles.