A Look at Old Kalkan       Kalkan has undergone many changes and today enjoys rich history and cultural heritage which is clearly reflected in the traditional buildings to be seen in the heart of the community. Climatic conditions, local geography and the availability of nuilding materils melded with the needs of yesterdays' inhabitants have directly affected the distinctive Kalkan Style. Attracted to Kalkan bay the settlers built their village at the foot of the surrounding mountains. Lining the narrow streets winding up from the harbour are typical stone houses with their characteristically small suttered windows and timber balconies. Whitewashed walls, contrasting natural woodwork, charming courtyards and gardens, cand criss-crossing stoney passages create the Kalkan Silhouette. It can be seen that climate played and important role ,n the formation of Kalkan in that the streets and the passages are open to the sea and the houses sitedin such a way as to benefit from the summer breezes. Balconies, planted terraces and courtyards were formed to create cooler and comfortable areas for use in the hot symmer months while the small windows, tightly shuttered in the noonday sun, ensured a modicum of comfort in the darkened interiors. The old Kalkan buildings are usually two stores high but in some cases, where the road is particularly steep, there may be a mezzanine. It will be noticed that the windows and the balconies of the upper floors are oriented towards the sea to take advantage of any breeze. Hidden behind the pediment, the hallmark of the traditional Kalkan house, is the red tiled roof and chimneypot which can , perhaps, be better seen from a neighbouring terrace. The ground floors of the houses are generally used as shops or storage space and upper floors surround and accomodate the residents' living area. The rooms on the upper floor surround a hallway and the main living room always has a seaview. Kalkan architecture possesses a very decorative element manifested in the sşlls placed between the floor levels and on the top of windows; plasters and pseude coloumn capitals enhance the corners of the buildings; dentiles and cornices embellish the eves while adorned pediments complete the facades. An association with the decorative traditions used in ancient times is evident and şn the present provides an outgoing continuity with the past.        Real Estate in kalkan, Yaliboyu Mah.  Kalkan  07960, Kalkan/Antalya, Turkey Tel/Fax:  (90) 242. 844. 36 04  email