A MOSQUE BUILT WITH THE ÇANTI TECHNIQUE IN ZONGULDAK/ÇAYCUMA: AKÇAHATİPLER VILLAGE MOSQUE

Abstract

Wood has been the main traditional building material for centuries in the northern parts of Anatolia and has been used in different types of buildings. Mosques built with the “çantı technique”, which is defined as the wooden masonry construction system used in the Black Sea Region; although it is seen intensely in the region, it is among the cultural assets that are in danger of extinction due to the deterioration of the wooden material. Within the scope of this study, the çantı construction technique and the çantı mosque tradition in Anatolia are discussed, and the Çaycuma Akçahatipler Village Mosque, located in the Western Black Sea Region, has been examined. The study aims to reveal the characteristics of the period by making an architectural analysis of the Çaycuma Akçahatipler Village mosque, which is one of the examples of çantı mosques, and by examining both historically close and architectural features comparatively with similar examples. In this study, qualitative research methods such as literature research and interviews with individuals were supported by fieldwork. With the findings based on photography, on-site measurements, drawings and observations, spatial and facade analysis of Çaycuma Akçahatipler Village Mosque were made and its structural features were mentioned. The building shows a rectangular plan without a portico, developing in the direction of the north-south axis perpendicular to the mihrab wall. The corner connections of the building were constructed using the “kurtboğazı” technique, by the general situation. While the building draws attention with its monumental dimensions, it is important in terms of presenting an example of a çantı mosque located in the Western Black Sea Region and preserved until today. This study is a preliminary documentation study to increase the visibility of the structure and ensure that it is protected. It is also known that the “çantı” construction system is used not only in mosques but also in residential architecture in the village. It can be stated that the “çantı” construction system, which is a product of the 7000-year-old wooden construction tradition, is also extremely important in terms of historical continuity, with its use in buildings serving different functions in Akçahatipler Village.