Enhancing Earthquake Resilience of Historical Monuments: A Comparative Study for the 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquake

Abstract

Historical structures, integral to a city’s cultural fabric, embody architectural, artistic, and social history. Their preservation honors the past and ensures future generations appreciate their significance. In many old cities, tourism thrives due to historical buildings, monuments, and sites, which contribute significantly to local economies and job creation. Resilient structures, capable of withstanding natural disasters, remain vital for tourism. However, historical structures face vulnerability to earthquakes, floods, and other hazards due to aging materials and construction techniques. Assessing their resilience is essential to identify risks and implement mitigation measures. Beyond their physical form, these structures are woven into communities, providing continuity and stability. Our study focuses on three historical structures in major cities affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquakes. We emphasize proactive resilience reviews from an earthquake performance perspective. Brief histories and earthquake performances under poor, median, and good conditions underscore the importance of rehabilitation and restoration efforts.