ABSTRACT
Earthen materials provided the most affordable solution both in the urban and rural area in the lowlands of Cyprus, and adobe buildings dominated the construction field until the mid-twentieth century. This study aims to investigate the preservation situation of North Cyprus’s vernacular adobe architecture, looking into the case of Louroujina (Akincilar) village. The study addresses the role of the newly emerging heritage consciousness and the resultant socio-cultural activities in stimulating the preservation of the extant adobe buildings. By looking into the restoration and rehabilitation projects recently implemented in the village, insights are provided regarding the inhabitants’ perception for heritage. Whilst the study highlights an emerging interest in the rehabilitation of existing vernacular-earthen houses, it also reveals how implementations undertaken without restoration know-how have caused irreversible damage rather than protection. Finally, the paper stresses the importance of collaboration between the community and the professionals for formulating sustainable restoration guidelines.
