Completed Projects

Post-Earthquake Cultural Heritage Damage Assessment

The project aimed to assess the damage and structural conditions of cultural assets following the February 2023 earthquakes, establish a prioritization framework for their restoration based on the severity of the damage and the historical significance of the structures through reports containing conservation recommendations, and enhance the long-term resilience and sustainability of cultural assets for future generations through improved preservation practices.

To conduct field studies, Adana, Kahramanmaraş, and Adıyaman were selected as the project sites among the 11 provinces affected by the earthquakes. The selection of Adana was influenced by its experience with the 1998 Ceyhan Earthquake, KMKD’s prior risk assessment field study of monuments outside the city center in 2015, and familiarity with the region, which allowed for a more accurate comparison of the structures’ post-earthquake conditions. Kahramanmaraş was chosen due to being the epicenter of both major earthquakes and its rich inventory of historical buildings, while Adıyaman was selected because it is a region that has been relatively overlooked in cultural heritage damage documentation efforts.

Since the number of registered cultural heritage sites in these three provinces exceeded what could be completed within the limited timeframe of the study, the assessments were carried out in areas relatively closer to the earthquake epicenters. Additionally, within the scope of the program, traditional houses that were encountered in the field but not included in the official registry were also documented. Throughout this process, close communication was maintained with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, municipalities, museums, and universities. Between April and September 2023, 350 historic sites were documented across the three provinces.

On December 20, 2023, an international online workshop was held to share the project’s initial findings with all stakeholders and receive feedback. The workshop brought together academics from various disciplines, cultural heritage experts, representatives of local governments, civil society organizations, and relevant public institutions. During the event, the project team presented scientific damage assessments, the content of the prepared reports, and proposed conservation policies in detail. Participants contributed by sharing their experiences from different regions, broadening the project’s scope, and enhancing the applicability of the proposed measures. The workshop aimed to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration on post-earthquake cultural heritage protection and establish a common ground for future initiatives. Photographic documentation, databases, 3D scans, and damage assessment reports serve as historical records for future researchers and conservation specialists. These materials function as educational resources for academic studies, historical research, and architectural analysis, providing valuable insights into the cultural significance of heritage and construction techniques.

The assessment reports were prepared at both the individual building level and at district and/or neighborhood scales. These reports include pre-building typologies, additions and modifications made over time, and types of damage observed. Furthermore, they outline short- and medium-term measures and policy recommendations aimed at preserving rural and urban fabric. These measures seek to mitigate the effects of future deterioration and seismic events. You can access the assessment reports in the Publications section of our website.

Project Lead: The Heritage Management Organization

Funder: The Aliph Foundation

Project Manager: Çağla Parlak