Background: Mardin is a unique city in terms of linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity, within an atmosphere of tolerance, while various historical artifacts reflect these to the present day. This ancient city hosted numerous civilizations and experienced peak economic and political stability in the 12th century during the Artukid period. Many of the works that have endured to this day reflect that period. The Şahkulubey Cupola is one of the rare works that have survived to the present day. In this study, an analysis of the existing materials is performed to shed light on the restoration works related to the Şahkulubey Cupola. Samples were taken from the east, west, north, and south facade walls, which were deteriorated structurally. Scanning Electron Microscopy (S.E.M.) and Energy Distribution Spectroscopy (E.D.S.) analyses were conducted, and the samples’ related material properties were tested. In addition, the samples’ density, water absorption, and compressive strength properties were measured. As a result, it will be possible to conduct the restoration works with materials compatible with the existing structure of the Şahkulubey Cupola.

This study investigates the structural behavior of the historical bridge located in the “Yukhari Bash” National Architectural Reserve Zone in Sheki, Azerbaijan, using finite element analysis (FEA) before and after its restoration. The primary objective is to evaluate the performance of the bridge under self-weight and seismic loads, following the standards of the Turkish Building Earthquake Code. The bridge, constructed primarily with limestone masonry, was analyzed using SAP2000 software. The results indicate that the structural integrity under compressive and shear stresses remained within acceptable limits both before and after restoration. However, post-restoration improvements in stress distribution and deformation were evident. This paper contributes to the preservation of historic structures through modern engineering analysis and provides insights into the appropriate restoration practices for masonry arch bridges.

Background: The strength of historical buildings built in different centuries with various materials and construction techniques and harboring many structural problems depends on the structural system, geometrical condition, and material properties. Sungurlu clock tower, whose system and geometry are in good condition, has been damaged under environmental and climatic effects, earthquakes, and other loads, and has survived to the present day by preserving its structural integrity to a great extent with the repairs it has undergone. Methods: In addition to static analysis, the robustness and durability of the design of the tower were tested by dynamic analysis with the SAP2000 program. In the model that will represent the actual system behavior of the tower, the lengths of the elements; nodal points; bearings; joints; shapes such as bars, shells, and plates; characteristic values of the materials to be used; as well as the system, element sections, and all loads and combinations of masses or dynamic forces acting on the system are defined. Results: In the reports presented visually, the moment, shear force, axial forces, and other forces to which the tower was exposed after the architectural and structural problems were eliminated were seen in a diagram. Since the effects of the damage could not be predicted, in this study, to measure the reaction of the building against earthquakes and other loads, the numerical model representing its original condition was prepared and analyzed according to the theoretical method and assumptions made by the restitution, survey, and static observation reports. Conclusions: With this program, which allows for the preparation of this model, it was concluded that the loads coming to the structure according to the principles of ductility, rigidity, and strength could be safely transferred to the ground without causing damage to the structural system and its elements. From the deformation, stress, velocity, acceleration, and reaction force graphs obtained, it was understood that the tower exhibited the expected structural behavior under its own weight and live loads. The stress and reaction force graphs showed that the structural materials are adequate for the resistance of the structure and system against the existing loads and possible earthquakes.

The mechanical performance of laminated panels manufactured from beech (Fagus orientalis) wood was enhanced by reinforcement with aramid fibers. Specimens were organized into three primary groups: (i) a solid (control) group, (ii) laminated groups composed of two and three layers without aramid reinforcement, and (iii) laminated groups incorporating one or two layers of aramid fiber reinforcement. Results of compressive strength tests revealed that both laminated and aramid-reinforced laminated specimens exhibited improved performance compared to the control group. Static bending strength was improved by lamination alone, and inclusion of aramid reinforcement in the lamination interface gave further enhancement. Lamination by itself did not yield a statistically significant improvement in the modulus of elasticity in static bending. A significant increase in the modulus of elasticity was observed only when aramid fibers were embedded in the lamination interface. Moreover, dynamic bending strength was substantially improved by the incorporation of aramid reinforcement into the laminated structure. The enhancement ratios were 63.4% for two-layer laminates with one aramid layer and 123.5% for three-layer laminates with two aramid layers. These findings indicate that aramid fiber reinforcement is an effective strategy for improving the mechanical performance of laminated wood composites.

This study proposes a multi-criteria decision-making framework for determining optimal locations for shared micromobility stations in Kars, Türkiye. The approach integrates spatial data with structured expert evaluation and applies the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to rank candidate locations. Eight representative locations were evaluated based on five criteria: points of interest (POId), public transport distance, activity level, accessibility, and installation suitability. Spatial indicators were obtained through map-based measurements, while qualitative criteria were assessed using expert-based scoring by 11 experts. The results indicate that locations with high activity density, strong accessibility, and a high concentration of POIs achieve the highest suitability scores. The city center (L2) and Kafkas University (L1) were identified as the most suitable locations, with closeness coefficients of 0.862 and 0.783, respectively. In contrast, the train station (L5) showed the lowest suitability, with a closeness coefficient of 0.326. A sensitivity analysis confirmed that the ranking structure remained unchanged under moderate variations in criteria weights, indicating the robustness of the proposed model. The findings suggest that micromobility systems are primarily driven by intra-urban mobility demand rather than by long-distance transportation nodes. From a sustainability perspective, the proposed framework supports evidence-based planning of shared micromobility infrastructure, which can contribute to reducing dependence on private automobiles, improving urban accessibility, and promoting low-carbon transportation. The findings provide practical guidance for municipalities seeking to develop environmentally sustainable, socially accessible, and resource-efficient urban mobility systems in medium-sized cities. The framework can also support broader sustainable urban development strategies and contribute to the achievement of sustainable mobility objectives.

Transferring the historical accumulation of a society to future generations is of great importance for the continuity and identity of that society. Kalecik Castle, built in 200 BC, has witnessed many civilizations since the Galatians period. The protection of historical buildings, which serve as a bridge from the past to the future, can be ensured by appropriate technique and material choices. In this study, the selection of appropriate materials and techniques in the restoration of historical buildings is discussed in the case of Ankara Kalecik Castle. Studies were carried out with samples taken from 4 facades of the castle (north, south, east, west). Physical tests and electron microscope analyzes (SEM and EDS) were performed on the samples taken from the castle. As a result of these analyzes, compressive strength, porosity, water absorption, density and unit volume weight values of the materials used in the structure were obtained. As a result of the EDS analysis, it was observed that the percentages of silicon-dominant elements on the north and south facades and calcium-dominant elements on the west and east facades were prominent. As a result of SEM analysis, it was determined that the particles exhibited a homogeneous distribution. In terms of compressive strength, the highest value was measured on the east facade and the lowest on the north facade. The results of other physical tests showed that the values of the four facades were close to each other. In the light of the data obtained from the samples, the castle was modeled with SAP 2000 program and the static condition of the structure was evaluated. As a result of numerical modeling and analysis, it was determined that the structure was stable under dead loads and it was predicted that the structure could be damaged under live loads.