Duvar

Duvar is the Turkish term for a wall, a vertical structural element that encloses, separates, or supports spaces in a building. Walls define interior rooms, exterior facades, and property boundaries, and play a central role in the layout and security of a structure.

The word derives from Persian divār, via Ottoman Turkish, and in Turkish usage it refers to any vertical plane that isolates or divides spaces. In architecture, the concept encompasses various forms and functions beyond simple enclosure.

Walls are commonly classified as load-bearing or non-load-bearing. Exterior walls provide weather resistance, climate control, and structural envelope, while interior walls create rooms and passageways. Other types include partition walls that divide spaces without bearing loads, curtain walls that form a lightweight façade, and veneer walls that offer aesthetic finish atop a structural system.

Materials and construction methods vary widely. Traditional walls use masonry blocks such as brick or stone with mortar; modern walls may employ reinforced concrete, concrete blocks, timber framing with infill, or gypsum-board partitions. Finishes range from plaster and stucco to paint, wallpaper, or exterior cladding. Insulation, moisture control, and acoustic treatment are important considerations in wall assemblies.

Functions extend beyond enclosure to privacy, security, thermal and acoustic insulation, fire resistance, and seismic performance. Proper maintenance addresses cracks, moisture intrusion, dampness, and surface deterioration through sealing, waterproofing, repair, and re-coating.

See also: load-bearing wall, partition wall, masonry, drywall, building envelope.