Seismic Performance Assessment of Medieval Turkic Brick Minarets: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Historical structures are key elements of cultural heritage, offering insights into past societies and linking them to the present. Many were built using masonry, which is strong in compression but weak in tension. Advances in computational technologies have allowed more precise analysis of such structures, especially under seismic effects.This study examines three notable Turkish minarets from the 12th to13th centuries: The Kalyan Minaret, the Jam Minar, and the Sivas Great Mosque Minaret. The historical development of minarets and their significance in art history are briefly reviewed, along with the evolution of construction techniques, such as brick and brick–stone masonry. Structural behaviour was analysed through the Finite Element Method, and seismic performance was assessed using Time History Analyses with acceleration records from the 1999 Kocaeli Earthquake.Results reveal that seismic responses vary significantly depending on material, geometry, and construction methods. The Kalyan Minaret, with its thick conical shaft, displayed the best performance, showing limited displacements and stress levels. The Jam Minar, the tallest and slenderest, experienced greater stresses, particularly in its upper sections, consistent with its current partial collapse. The Sivas Great Mosque Minaret performed least favourably, with high tensile and compressive stresses concentrated at the pedestal and transition zone.Overall, the study highlights that the design of masonry minarets was influenced not only by artistic and symbolic concerns but also by structural needs. Their development reflects efforts to ensure earthquake resistance and stability under lateral loads, emphasising the integration of aesthetic and engineering considerations in medieval architecture.