The Morphology of Continuity: An Analytical Documentation of Vernacular Architecture in Phoenix Rural Settlements

Rural architectural systems in the Mediterranean reflect a long-term entanglement between human agency, material conditions, and environmental constraints. This study uses this framework to explore architectural continuity in settlements near ancient Phoenix in Türkiye. It aims to understand how rural building practices like stone masonry, traditional carpentry, and spolia reuse have persisted from antiquity. The methodology combines UAV photogrammetry, GIS analysis, and oral histories to reveal spatial patterns and craft traditions across generations. Findings show structures are transmitted through technical knowledge, with stone and timber co evolving with local livelihoods. The Aegean's technical traditions share heritage with the Dodecanese islands of Symi and Tilos, supported by fieldwork and literature comparing masonry and craft techniques. The work emphasizes the need for conservation strategies that connect digital documentation with community experience to preserve this cross-border cultural landscape amid environmental threats and declining craftsmanship.