Structural Assessment of the 13th Century Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi: a World Heritage Listed Structure

Abstract

The Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi is located in the central eastern partof Turkey, in Divrigi, Sivas. The historical facility consists of a monumental mosque anda two-story hospital, which are adjacent to each other. The structure dates back to13th century Mengujekids period and has been listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritagesince 1985. Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi is particularly notable for its monumentalstone portals that are decorated with three-dimensional ornaments carved fromstone. The structural system of the monument consists of multi-leaf stone masonrywalls and stone piers that support the roof structure which consists of stone and brickarches and vaults. The structure is located about 90 km away from the North AnatolianFault Line, that has been causing several destructive earthquakes. Consequently, thestructure is prone to destructive seismic activities. In this study, after a briefintroduction on the structural system and current condition of the structure, thestructural performance of the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi is investigatedthrough site observations and structural analyses. For this purpose, linear and nonlinear 3Dfinite element models of the structure are developed and the structure is examined under theeffects of vertical loads and seismic actions. In the light of the analyses results,recommendations for potential interventions are outlined for further preservation of thestructure.