Exploring the Diverse Landscape of Cooling Systems in Turkey

Introduction

Turkey, straddling the crossroads of Europe and Asia, boasts a varied climate that ranges from the humid coastal regions of the Mediterranean and Black Sea to the arid plateaus of Central Anatolia and the continental extremes of Eastern Turkey. Summers can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) in cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir, driving a surging demand for effective cooling solutions. As urbanization accelerates and climate change intensifies heatwaves, the cooling sector has become a critical component of Turkey's infrastructure, economy, and daily life. The market for air conditioning تعمیر کولر گازی در مشهد and related systems is booming, projected to reach USD 3.35 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.87% from 2025. This growth reflects not only technological advancements but also a blend of traditional methods rooted in Turkey's rich architectural heritage and modern innovations aimed at sustainability.

In this article, we delve into the types of cooling systems prevalent in Turkey, from ancient passive techniques to cutting-edge renewable-based technologies. We'll explore their applications, advantages, challenges, and future trends, providing a comprehensive overview for homeowners, businesses, and policymakers alike. Understanding these systems is essential in a country where cooling isn't just about comfort—it's about energy efficiency, environmental impact, and cultural adaptation.

Traditional Cooling Methods: Lessons from Ottoman and Anatolian Architecture

Turkey's history is replete with ingenious passive cooling strategies that predate mechanical systems by centuries. These methods, embedded in traditional Turkish architecture, rely on natural elements like wind, water, and shade to mitigate heat, offering eco-friendly alternatives that are still relevant today.

One prominent example is the use of courtyards (avlu) in Ottoman houses and mosques. These open spaces, often featuring fountains or pools, facilitate evaporative cooling through water evaporation, which lowers ambient temperatures by up to 5-10°C. In hot-dry regions like Diyarbakir, courtyards are designed to maximize shade and airflow, with high walls blocking direct sunlight while allowing breezes to circulate. Similarly, windcatchers (badgir or rüzgar kulesi), inspired by Persian influences but adapted in southeastern Anatolia, channel prevailing winds into buildings, creating a natural ventilation system that can cool interiors without electricity.

Evaporative cooling has long been a staple in Turkish vernacular architecture. In arid areas, structures incorporated qanats (underground water channels) or simple clay pots filled with water placed in windows to humidify and cool incoming air. A study on evaporative cooling potential in Turkey highlights its effectiveness in non-coastal regions, where low humidity allows for significant temperature drops—up to 15°C in direct systems. These techniques are not obsolete; modern revivals in eco-tourism hotels and sustainable homes in Cappadocia draw on them to reduce reliance on energy-intensive air conditioners.

However, cultural attitudes sometimes hinder adoption. Many Turks associate air conditioning with health risks like colds or joint pain, preferring natural methods even in extreme heat. This "fear of AC" stems from folklore and experiences with poorly maintained units, but it underscores the enduring appeal of traditional systems in a nation blending old and new.

Modern Residential and Commercial Cooling Systems

As Turkey modernizes, mechanical cooling systems dominate urban landscapes. Air conditioning (AC) units are the most common, with the market valued at USD 2.65 billion in 2024 and expected to double by 2030. Split-type ACs, which separate the compressor (outdoor) from the evaporator (indoor), are particularly popular due to their efficiency and quiet operation. Brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and local players such as Airfel and Baymak lead the market, with split systems accounting for over 70% of sales.

Window units, though less common now, remain affordable options for smaller apartments in cities like Ankara. Central AC systems, often integrated with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) setups, are gaining traction in new high-rises and commercial buildings. The Turkey HVAC market emphasizes unitary and split ACs, with rooftop packaged units favored for offices and hotels.

Evaporative coolers, or "swamp coolers," thrive in Turkey's dry inland regions. These systems use water-soaked pads to cool air through evaporation, consuming up to 75% less energy than traditional ACs. A report on evaporative cooling in Turkey notes their suitability for areas like Konya and Urfa, where they can achieve cooling efficiencies comparable to mechanical systems in low-humidity environments. Portable evaporative units are increasingly popular in homes, especially amid rising electricity costs.

In industrial and data center contexts, chillers and water cooling systems prevail. Air-cooled and water-cooled chillers from companies like Aref and Sonkar provide reliable cooling for factories and warehouses. The data center cooling market in Turkey is expanding rapidly, projected to reach USD 334.89 million by 2032, driven by tech hubs in Istanbul.

Renewable and Sustainable Cooling Innovations

Turkey's abundant natural resources position it as a leader in renewable cooling. Geothermal systems leverage the country's vast geothermal reserves—the seventh largest globally—for both heating and cooling. In areas like Izmir's Balçova-Narlıdere field, geothermal district cooling systems serve thousands of residences, with capacities up to 160 MWt. These systems use absorption chillers powered by hot geothermal fluids, offering energy savings of 40-50% over conventional methods.

Solar cooling is an emerging trend, aligning with Turkey's solar boom, which generates 6% of national electricity. Solar-powered ejector systems and absorption chillers, tested in southern cities like Antalya, harness abundant sunlight to drive cooling cycles. Projects like those in Dalaman hotels demonstrate parabolic trough collectors providing cooling for large-scale applications. With government incentives for renewables, solar cooling could reduce grid strain during peak summer demand.

Hybrid systems combining these technologies are on the rise. For instance, geothermal-solar hybrids in agricultural cooling for turkey farms (the bird, not the country) show promise in energy savings. Trends also include smart HVAC with IoT integration for energy optimization, reflecting Turkey's push toward Industry 4.0.

Market Dynamics, Challenges, and Future Outlook

The Turkish cooling market is dynamic, with exports hitting record highs at USD 547 million monthly. Local manufacturers like IMBAT and Alfa Proje dominate industrial segments, while international giants like LG and Mitsubishi invest in production facilities. Urbanization and tourism fuel demand, with 3.3 million split AC units sold in recent years.

Challenges persist: High energy consumption contributes to Turkey's import-dependent electricity grid, and refrigerant regulations under the Montreal Protocol push for low-GWP alternatives. Cultural resistance to AC, coupled with installation delays during heatwaves, highlights the need for education and efficient services.

Looking ahead, sustainability is key. The CoolUp programme emphasizes upscaling eco-friendly technologies, with evaporative and geothermal systems poised for growth. By 2030, energy-efficient models with A+ ratings and AI-driven controls could dominate, reducing carbon footprints amid climate goals.

Conclusion

Turkey's cooling systems embody a fusion of heritage and innovation, from ancient courtyards to solar-geothermal hybrids. As the nation grapples with hotter summers, these diverse options offer pathways to comfort and sustainability. Whether opting for a traditional evaporative setup or a high-tech VRF system, Turks are adapting cooling to their unique needs. Embracing renewables will not only cool homes but also pave the way for a greener future. With ongoing investments and policy support, Turkey could become a model for balanced cooling in a warming world.