Karabağlar Revisited: The Making of Community through the Yurt, the Masjid, the Coffeehouse and the Plane Tree

Karabaǧlar (Muğla, Turkey) is one of those settlements that over time has come to blend well with its natural assets. Not only are the man-made and natural components of this seasonal settlement unique, and in harmony with one another, but they have also persisted throughout the centuries despite much adversity. Previous research has revealed how two landscape components particular to the area, namely irim and kesik, have resulted in a remarkable character. Further inquiry into other aspects of Karabaǧlar will help in the depiction of its original layout, taking into account the wealth of landscape elements and structures that have a couple of millennia, or more, of historical precedent. The originality of the spatial layout of a yurt setting, the lifestyle that is generated around a coffeehouse, in addition to a masjid and plane trees, all deserve attention as a system of diverse values worthy of conservation.