Humans, who have been in continuous interaction with the environment they live in throughout the course of history, have changed and shaped nature since the first days of their existence. This attempt to shape nature had first been motivated by the need of protection and struggle and when the need for a shelter arose, turned into a continuous and organic pattern. This led humans to attach new meanings to the outer space. With the beginning of social life the concept of outer space had gained far more importance and this change gave way to the development different spatial setups. Patios, located at the center of the houses and defined as hedged spaces either with or without roof depending on preference, have developed in time as spaces which have defined borders and which have been planned and organized by people in order to serve for specific purposes. The traditional Turkish house as well is built within a patio. This is the most identifying pattern of traditional houses. In this study the concept of patio in the traditional Turkish house, its historical background and characteristics and natural and cultural factors shaping its development are defined and the characteristics of patios, the relationship between the patio and the building, the types of patios, patio landscaping and its evolution in time is emphasized through Safranbolu houses.