Villages reflect the climate and character of the region. Wood frame and log construction in the temperate zone gives way to wattle and daub and eventually sun-dried brick in the southeast. Repositories of traditional lore, villages preserve dances, customs, weaving, puppet shows and plays in their original forms. Every region in Turkey, in fact every village, has its own folkdances. The colors and patterns of carpets, kilims and saddlebags have strong regional variations, attesting to the sharply contrasting climates and lifestyles of different areas of the country.
Most villages are a combination of new and old buildings.
In some cases, villages have remained intact for centuries. Brightly colored regional costumes offer other insights into rural culture. Today when most urban dwellers have adopted western dress, the traditional garb of villagers is a vivid and meaningful part of the rural landscape.