Diyarbakır Traditional Boranhane (Pigeon House) Construction Summer School, organized by Dicle University with contributions from the Restoration Research Group of the Faculty of Architecture at Yıldız Technical University and the Scientific Committee on Preparedness for Risks of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the "Traditional Boranhane (Pigeon House) Construction Summer School" will be held in Diyarbakır from September 2–11, 2026, with the aim of practically examining the contribution of local construction traditions to post-disaster recovery processes.
The objective of this summer school is to transform Diyarbakır’s centuries-old traditional boranhane (pigeon house) construction process into a hands-on learning environment for students studying architecture, conservation, and cultural heritage. Building on the diverse patterns of damage and resilience exhibited by traditional structures following the February 6, 2023, earthquakes, the program also aims to highlight the importance of local construction knowledge in reducing disaster risks and in post-disaster rehabilitation processes. As part of the program, students will take an active role in processes such as adobe production, adobe wall construction, earthen roof construction, construction site organization, occupational health and safety, teamwork, documentation, and reporting.
Application and Contact Details:
Students wishing to participate in the program must prepare a 300-word motivation letter that includes their semester/class information, their reasons for wanting to participate in the program, and their expectations from the summer school.
Applications must be submitted by July 24, 2026, to mkasapoglu@yildiz.edu.tr and zeatabay@yildiz.edu.tr.
Note: Accommodations will be provided for participants during the event. Participation in this program may count toward the required construction site internship.
