Roots of failure of cultural heritage structures induced by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes

The earthquakes in Türkiye on February 6, 2023, resulted in devastating losses, impacting approximately 14% of the country's population and causing severe structural damage to historic buildings. This study focuses on the historical structures in Hatay, Adyaman, and Kahramanmaraş, with particular attention to Şanlurfa, home to some of humanity's oldest monumental sites. These buildings, primarily constructed using masonry techniques, experienced varying degrees of damage from the earthquakes. Some structures suffered partial collapse, while others total collapse. The study includes a comparative examination of selected buildings in the affected area, assessing their condition before and after the earthquakes. It explores the cause-and-effect relationships regarding the damages observed and offers recommendations for future preservation and resilience. Additionally, the research provides detailed historical context for the examined structures, highlighting their significance and the impact of the earthquakes on their integrity and heritage.