The aim is to understand the characteristics of the courtyards in traditional Kurtgazi houses and discuss their preservation problems. Four traditional houses with courtyards, which are continued to be lived in, accessible and have partially preserved their authenticity were selected. The qualities of the selected courtyards were documented at the site, analyzed and evaluated. Courtyards are positioned at east, southeast or south. Comparison of the current and the authentic states revealed that, mass additions, roof renewals and renewal of ground covering materials in the courtyards were widespread. Natural ventilation increases as the ratio of the courtyard length in the north-south direction to the related courtyard wall height increases since the prevailing wind direction is the north. As the length of a courtyard is decreased and the height of the courtyard wall is increased, the amount of exposition of the courtyard to direct sunlight is decreased. In order to benefit from sunlight in all seasons, this ratio must be at least two. Deciduous plants such as fig trees and vines block the sunlight to reach the courtyard in summers and allow sunlight to reach the courtyard in winters. Materials with a low amount of reflecting capability are used as a covering on the ground and on the walls in the authentic state. Resting, eating, doing hobbies, washing and drying laundry and dishes are the activities in four seasons of the year, and food drying and wood cutting are seasonal activities realized in the courtyards.