Tonozlar

Tonozlar is a term used in Turkish architectural vocabulary to describe vaulted ceilings formed by arches. In common usage, tonoz refers to a barrel vault, and tonozlar are multiple such vaults. The form is part of a broader family of curved-ceiling techniques used in various regions of Europe and the Middle East.

Construction and forms: Tonozlar are typically built of stone or brick with lime mortar. The arches transfer the weight to supporting walls or columns, allowing interior spaces with relatively large, continuous ceilings. While the barrel vault is the classic tonoz, the concept also encompasses other curved vault configurations used in both vernacular and monumental buildings.

Historical and geographic context: Tonoz ceilings have ancient precursors and were widely adopted in Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. In Anatolia, the Balkans, and adjacent regions, tonozlar appear in secular dwellings, cisterns, tombs, and religious structures, reflecting local masonry techniques and material availability. The form is especially associated with regional vernacular architecture where material economy and practical construction were priorities.

Cultural and functional notes: Tonoz ceilings contribute to the structural economy of stone and brick buildings and can influence interior conditions by shaping space and airflow. They remain a defining feature of several historic architectural landscapes and are studied within the fields of vernacular architecture and structural engineering heritage.