Observational damage determinations and size–damage relationship for masonry stone minarets after the earthquakes of February 6, 2023

Purpose The aim of this study is to determine the behavior of masonry stone minarets, which are important and delicate examples of historical monuments that are a common value of humanity, under the effects of earthquakes and to examine the size-damage relations of the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquakes, the history of Gaziantep and the minarets. With the results obtained from this study, damage limits and risks related to the dimensions of existing masonry stone minarets before possible earthquakes can be evaluated. Design/methodology/approach Within the scope of the study, the minarets of the mosques damaged due to the Kahramanmaras Earthquakes in Gaziantep were examined observationally. The damages, damaged areas and damage–collapse situations are revealed. The sizedamage relationships of the minarets were examined and the damage relationships of their slenderness and structural features were revealed using statistical approaches. Findings As a result, it was determined that the roof-top minarets exhibited the most risky behavior in the form of collapse and cracks with slenderness values below 10%. It has been determined that the cracks occurred between 10–6% of the slenderness values of adjacent minarets while the collapse behavior occurred below the slenderness value of 6. Also, the separated minarets exhibited a more resistant behavior and there were no damages observed above the 8% slenderness level. In this study, suggestions were made regarding the measures that can be taken to shed light on restoration works. Research limitations/implications The research is based on the behavior of masonry stone minarets in Gaziantep province under the effect of Kahramanmaras earthquakes. Masonry stone minarets, similar examples of which are widely seen, reveal the size–damage relationship, provided that the ground properties are not recorded. With this study, data that can be referenced in terms of size–damage relationship of similar structures under the influence of earthquakes have been obtained. Originality/value The research includes field data of the historical minarets of Gaziantep, which were damaged under the influence of the earthquake, some of which were destroyed and some of which were damaged. The unique nature of the study is the on-site examination of the behavior of historical minarets after the earthquake, as well as the access and recording of a large number of data such as their dimensions and photographs. Recording the limited opportunities of historical buildings for experimental studies and structural observations in the post-earthquake situation will serve as a reference for other researchers.