Istanbul has been shaken by many great earthquakes throughout its history. However, the works of Mimar Sinan, which combine his aesthetic and engineering skills, survived these earthquakes almost unscathed. Mosques such as Selimiye Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque and Şehzade Mosque, as well as bridges, baths, tombs and many more, are just a few of Mimar Sinan’s more than 300 heritages. These works have managed to stand upright for almost five centuries. This is the result of Mimar Sinan’s engineering genius.
After the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, while the earthquake-resistant rail building systems of the Japanese were discussed, it is known that Mimar Sinan developed similar technologies centuries ago and used them in his mosques. One of the technologies used is the system called seismic earthquake isolator. By using seismic earthquake isolators in buildings, they reduce the severity of events that can damage the structure in severe tremors. This system works by placing flexible energy absorbing elements between the ground and the base of the structure and helps to reduce the earthquake forces transferred from the ground to the structure. Structures without seismic isolation can carry a horizontal load of 1/10 of their own weight, while more loads cause great damage to the structure and breakage begins at the column-beam junctions. Structures with seismic isolation can carry more loads as they lighten the load.
Earthquake Resistant Works and Techniques of Mimar Sinan
Although there is no clear answer to how the works of Mimar Sinan are so durable, there are some guesses as a result of the examinations made by the experts. For example, the scientists, who learned that the ground of Selimiye Mosque was loose soil, decided that the best solution was to fix the foundations of the minarets with metal clamps so that the minarets of the mosque would not be damaged or destroyed, and they took action.
However, during the studies, it was discovered that Mimar Sinan had applied the same solution centuries ago using the same technology. In addition, Mimar Sinan waited eight years for the Selimiye Mosque, which has an extremely flexible ground, after laying the foundation. Selimiye Mosque, described as a masterpiece by Mimar Sinan, was built in Edirne in 1574. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The mosque is extremely resistant to earthquakes and has not been damaged by earthquakes in the past.
Suleymaniye MosqueIt was built by providing the right foundation and ground, and for more than 5 centuries, it has survived 89 earthquakes, 15 of which were over 5.5, without any damage. In modern architecture, the life of buildings generally varies between 100-150 years and after this period, durability cannot be guaranteed. Architect Sinan promised a mosque that will stand until the end of the day and moreover, he built this mosque in a city famous for its earthquakes.
Rail System Used in the 16th Century
Mimar Sinan’s works are known for their durability. It has been revealed that there are rail systems in many parts of Selimiye Mosque, which was built in the 16th century. Thanks to these rail systems, it has been understood that the building can tilt five degrees on each side during an earthquake. It is thought that Mimar Sinan increased the durability of his works by using this system. Japanese architects discovered a similar system in their work with special permission in the 1950s and started using it in buildings when they returned to their countries. It is known that this technology is still used today and helps to reduce the effects of natural disasters such as earthquakes.
What is Earthquake Scale?
Many works of Mimar Sinan, one of the famous architects of the Ottoman Empire, have survived for centuries. Muradiye Mosque in Manisa is known for its scales. These rotating stones show the strength of the mosque and how much it was damaged in the earthquake. Libra stones have been in operation for 434 years and still function.
The Muradiye Mosque and Complex, completed in 1585, draws attention with the scale stones on both sides of the mosque’s mihrab. These scales show the solidity of the building and whether there is any slippage on the ground. One of the most interesting features of the mosque is the earthquake scales, because these cylindrical marble stones mean that the building is damaged if it does not rotate during the earthquake. These scales have been in operation for over 434 years and the robustness of the mosque can still be tested.
The General Directorate of Foundations examined the Selimiye Mosque in the past years, and earthquake experts determined that the mosque will not be affected by major earthquakes expected in the next 500 years and is not statically problematic. In addition, other historical mosques such as Hatay Mahremiye Mosque and Bursa Yeşil Mosque also contain earthquake scales and are important in terms of the durability of their structures.
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