Preserving Erzurum's Fetih Mosque: Seismic Study Informs Restoration

Dr. Dilek Okuyucu, a faculty member at Erzurum Technical University's Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, is leading a comprehensive seismic study on the historic Fetih Mosque in Erzurum's Yakutiye district. The mosque, originally built as a church in the 1850s and converted to a mosque in 1998, has withstood numerous earthquakes over its long history. Okuyucu's research aims to ensure the structural integrity of the building and guide upcoming restoration efforts.

Why this matters: The preservation of cultural heritage sites like the Fetih Mosque is crucial for maintaining a sense of community and national identity. By developing innovative approaches to seismic study and restoration, this project can inform and improveconservation efforts for historic buildings worldwide, ultimately protecting our shared cultural legacy.

The study involves strategically positioning sensors around the mosque to monitor its movements and gather data to predict how the structure might respond during an earthquake. "We all have a pulse, and so do buildings," Okuyucu explains. "This 'period' or oscillation time varies for each structure and is critical for understanding its behavior during seismic events." By taking what Okuyucu describes as a metaphorical "ECG" of the building, the study seeks to gain insights into the mosque's vibrational characteristics and identify potential vulnerabilities.

Okuyucu emphasizes the importance of this research in informing the forthcoming restoration work on the Fetih Mosque. "Restoration is not just a makeover. First of all, the statics of the building must be preserved. We think that the measurements made here will give us important information," she states. The study adopts an interdisciplinary approach, involving undergraduate and graduate students from Erzurum Technical University, providing them with valuable hands-on experience in structural analysis and preservation techniques.

The Fetih Mosque stands as a testament to Erzurum's rich history and cultural heritage. Originally constructed as a church in the 1850s during the Ottoman era, the building was converted into a mosque in 1998. Its unique architectural features and historical significance make it a landmark in the Yakutiye district. Okuyucu's seismic study exemplifies the proactive measures being taken to safeguard this important piece of Erzurum's past for future generations.

The findings from Dr. Okuyucu's investigation will play a crucial role in guiding the upcoming restoration efforts at the Fetih Mosque. By prioritizing the preservation of the building's structural integrity and leveraging insights from the seismic data, the restoration team can ensure that the mosque withstands the test of time and potential future earthquakes. This study serves as a model for the application of advanced technology and interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Dilek Okuyucu leads a seismic study on Erzurum's historic Fetih Mosque.
• The study aims to ensure the mosque's structural integrity and guide restoration efforts.
• Sensors monitor the mosque's movements to predict its response to earthquakes.
• The study informs restoration work and preserves the mosque's cultural heritage.
• Findings will guide restoration efforts to safeguard the mosque for future generations.