Batı Karadeniz Bölgesi Bizans Dönemi Kiliselerindeki Almaşık Duvar Tekniği
The Opus Mixtum Wall Technique in Byzantine Period Churches of the Western Black Sea Region

Summary/Abstract: The masonry technique, defined as the almaşık or opus mixtum, was one of the most frequently applied masonry techniques during the Byzantine Empire, especially in Anatolia. This technique, which consists of the arrangement of stones and bricks in specific sequences, has been observed in numerous buildings and churches constructed from the Early Byzantine to the Late Byzantine period. These buildings exhibit distinctive architectural features that are indicative of the use of this technique. In this study, the alternating masonry technique, which will be discussed in the context of Byzantine churches in the Western Black Sea Region, has been evaluated in detail in all aspects from stone courses to brick bands, from mortars between them to wall coverings. The evaluation of the wall technique has been instrumental in facilitating a comprehensive understanding of numerous issues, including the construction processes of Byzantine buildings, the workshops, craftsmen and architects who were active in this process, building materials and local features. This approach has enabled the resolution of several uncertainties encountered in the architectural design and dating of the churches in the region. In the Byzantine churches located in the Western Black Sea region, particularly in the provinces of Bartın, Bolu, Düzce, Karabük and Zonguldak, it was observed that the alternating technique was utilised in divergent ways during different periods. In this study, the style and regional characteristics of the opus mixtum wall technique used in the churches were evaluated by making a chronological evaluation, and its place and importance in the history of Byzantine architecture were emphasised with the results obtained.

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