The correct Turkish spelling is "pergola". The Turkish Language Association's dictionary lists the word as "pergola", of Italian origin, pointing to the meaning "gölgelik" (shade structure); "pergole" is not in the dictionary. In Italian, "pergole" is simply the plural.
Short answer: "pergola"
Many Turkish speakers search whether to write "pergola" or "pergole". The correct form is pergola. The Turkish Language Association (TDK) dictionary lists the word as a noun of Italian origin, "pergola", and refers it to "gölgelik" (shade structure). "Pergole" is not in the dictionary; in Italian it is the plural form, while in Turkish the plural is "pergolalar". In English the word is also "pergola", plural "pergolas".
Correct and incorrect forms in Turkish
| Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|
| pergola | pergole, pergüla |
| pergolası, pergolaya, pergolada | pergolesi, pergoleye |
| pergolalar | pergoleler |
| bioklimatik pergola | biyoklimatik pergole |
Note: "bioklimatik" is the established product name in the sector; "biyoklimatik" is also seen. We use "bioklimatik pergola".
What is a pergola?
A pergola is a shade structure covering a terrace, garden or balcony. Today the word mostly means systems with aluminium posts carrying a fabric, louvred or panel roof. Models that can open their roof also let the space breathe, unlike a fixed roof.
Which systems are called "pergola" today?
| System | Roof | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Bioclimatic pergola | Motorised rotating aluminium louvres | Rotate the louvres to set sun and air; closed, they keep the rain out |
| Retractable fabric pergola | Waterproof PVC fabric | The fabric opens and closes on rails with a motor |
| Rolling roof pergola | Insulated aluminium panels | Panels slide over one another on rails |
| Fixed pergola | Tensioned PVC fabric | A shade structure that does not open |
What "louvred", "retractable" and "motorised" pergola mean is explained in our pergola terms guide. How the bioclimatic system works: what is a bioclimatic pergola?
"Is a pergola legal?"
The other common question is about permits. There is no single answer: the building's ownership status, its management plan and the municipality's practice decide. Details: do pergolas and winter gardens need a permit?
As an authorised Albert Genau manufacturing dealer, SkyArt Group manufactures and installs bioclimatic pergolas in Istanbul, which can be planned together with zip screens for the sides. To see which pergola suits your terrace, request a free survey.
