doi: 10.2143/ANES.51.0.3038723 ANES 51 (2014) 279-316 Historical Continuity in Rural Architecture. The Traces of the Bit Hilani Building Tradition in Adiyaman-Kahta, Turkey Alev ERARSLAN Abstract Cultural values and traditions are what make societies survive. While these values comprise the histories of societies on the one hand, on the other they provide cultural continuity that can be passed on to future generations. The undeniable relationship between the past and the future, prevailing across history, exists in the field of architecture as well. This paper will try to show that the bit hilani, a type of plan originat- ing from Anatolia/Northern Syria, still survives with its basic architectural characteristics representing “architectural continuity” in the rural architecture of Kahta in Adıyaman. The term “bit-hilani-like structures” is not used here as a flexible term, but intentionally to specifically define the houses in the region. But to be careful, terms such as bit-hilani-like or bit-hilani- type structures and hilani-style struc- tures are used. Kahta’s hilani-like structures occupy an important place within the concept of architectural continuity. Here, the most fundamental factor determining the plan of the houses is the historical element and all the structures have a strong affinity with the architectural tradition of the region. The continuity of the special character of the buildings in the villages, which exhibit a noticeably homogeneous societal structure, constitutes the memory of history in the region. These houses, rooted in history as the symbols of past in the region, make us acknowledge today that bit hilani is still alive with some local adaptations. These structures should be understood as a local heritage of historical hilanis tradition.* Bit hilani, a kind of structure that had its origins in Anatolia/Northern Syria, is a type of plan that was widely used in palace architecture in Anatolia, Syria, Palestine, western Iran and Meso- potamia in the Iron Age. The term entered the scholarly literature in reference to Iron Age royal residencies of Neo-Hittite kingdoms in northern Syria and Southeastern Anatolia (Fig. 1). Hilani referred to the colonnaded porch characteristic of these buildings. The origin of the term hilani is controversial, but it is generally thought that it derives from the Hittite hilammar. 1 The Hittite * First, a word of thanks to the governor of Adıyaman, Mr. Mahmut DEMIRTA≤, for his kindness in accepting my study request, and facilitating my contact with all the departments concerned. I also extend my deep gratitude to the District Governor of Kahta, Mr. Metin ESEN, for his efforts in facilitating our work. I am thankful as well for the kind contributions of Prof. Dr Anabel ZARZECKI-PELEG, Prof. Dr Alice MOUTON and Dr James F. OSBORNE in helping me to access sources that I could not reach at the start. I thank Dr Caner GÖÇER, who accompanied me to the district. I am very grateful to Salih CEYLAN, who took on the task of drawing up the maps, graph and all needed plans. And a special thank you goes to the headman of Damlacık village, Mr. Mehmet DEMIRAL, and all the residents of Kahta’s villages, who showered me with warm, cordial hospitality and assistance.