The Effect of the Kahramanmaras Earthquakes (Mw 7.7 and Mw 7.6) on Historical Masonry Mosques and Minarets

Abstract

The aim of this study is to present the field research and performance evaluation of historical masonry mosques and minarets in 11 different cities in the region shortly after the earthquakes that occurred in Kahramanmaras, Turkey on February 6, 2023. Mosques and minarets were also affected by the earthquakes that occurred in the city of Kahramanmaras, located in the southwest of the Eastern Anatolia region, at 04:17 and 13:24 local time. Mosques and minarets, two types of structures built using masonry building materials and technologies, have been specially studied. Considering the size of the area affected by the earthquake and the diversity of the cultural heritage in the earthquake region, it will take months to reach all of the culturally important structures affected by the earthquake and report them by experts. The structures presented in the article are relatively easy to access and heavily damaged or completely collapsed immediately after the earthquake. Dome collapses, carrier walls and minaret damages are common in his-torical mosques. Minaret damage is concentrated on transition sections and spire parts. In the study, a case of Adiyaman Ulu Mosque, which was completely collapsed in the earthquake, is presented in the analysis. It is seen that the collapse mechanisms obtained by dynamic analysis are very similar to the collapse observed in the mosque after the earthquake. It is thought that the absence of any code or directive for these special structures is a major shortcoming and leaves the engineers in a difficult position during the design and protection phase.