Paper Title
THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL BRICK IN SUSTAINABLE URBAN IDENTITY: A CASE OF ÇANAKKALE, TURKEY

Abstract
Architecture plays a critical role in shaping and redefining urban identity. The interaction of the architectural texture with history, culture, social and economic structure, topography, climate, and environmental factors further reinforces this role. The building materials that are used directly affect not only the architectural design but also the urban identity and sustainability criteria. This study aims to investigate the relationship between buildings constructed with traditional bricks in the Central and Bayramiç districts of Çanakkale province and urban identity and assess the sustainability of traditional brick as a building material. In this study, a literature review method was employed first to establish conceptual definitions, followed by an examination of buildings constructed with traditional bricks in the Central and Bayramiç districts of Çanakkale—one of Turkey's significant cities in terms of its historical, civil, and monumental architecture, natural landscape, and tourism—based on archival research and data collection. The results reveal that the traditional bricks used in the load-bearing walls or façade-defining elements of the examined buildings are a significant part of the architectural texture that shapes the city's identity. Using traditional bricks, developed through research and applied in new constructions, can strengthen Çanakkale’s sustainable urban identity and reduce negative environmental impacts. In this context, it is significant to raise awareness and encourage the local community regarding the restoration of buildings constructed with traditional bricks for the preservation and enhancement of urban identity in Çanakkale province. Additionally, it is recommended that universities, institutions, manufacturing companies, architects, engineers, and professional chambers collaborate to research the characteristics of traditional bricks collected from various regions of Çanakkale, produce improved versions of these bricks, and promote their use in new constructions. Keywords - Bayramiç, Building Material, Çanakkale, Sustainability, Traditional Brick, Urban Identity