Birgi is an ancient settlement located at the foothills of the Boz Mountains. With a history dating back to antiquity, the city holds a significant place in Turkish history as the capital of the Aydinid Principality.
Houses are typically two or three stories high, built with stone and wood, featuring an open-hall plan in Birgi’s civil architecture. These houses were constructed with large courtyards to accommodate agricultural and livestock activities. The courtyards were designed harmonously with the streets, creating green spaces that brought vibrancy to the surroundings.
Entrances to the courtyards were usually through large doors. The ground floors were used as stables, storage areas, and cellars, while the upper floors were arranged according to the household’s needs. The small windows and wide doors on the facades of these buildings reflect a lifestyle that balances hospitality and privacy. In general, the design of the houses prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and durability. However, alongside these modest living spaces, there are also striking examples of civil architecture such as Çakır Ağa Mansion and Sandıkoğlu Mansion, which reflect the grandeur of Birgi’s architectural heritage. Ultimately, Birgi’s traditional Turkish houses and other structures, give the town a characteristic “Turkish city” identity.
Birgi’s location, being distant from central routes and major roads, along with its stable population structure, has helped preserve its traditional texture without significant alterations up to the present day.