In Hatay, restoration works for foundation artifacts that were destroyed or damaged in the earthquakes of February 6, 2023, are planned to be completed in 2025. Deputy Director of the Foundation Regional Directorate, met with journalists in the courtyard of Habib-i Neccar Mosque on the occasion of Foundation Week and provided information about the activities carried out since the earthquakes of February 6, 2023.
Reminding that the earthquakes caused extensive damage throughout the city, he said that within this scope, the damaged artifacts such as Hünkar Mosque and Sarımiye Mosque had been put into service after restoration.
Stating that 71 artifacts under the responsibility of the General Directorate of Foundations had been completely destroyed or damaged and become unusable, he went on to say:
“We have already started restoration works for all of these artifacts rapidly. The earthquake showed us that unfortunately, our buildings, these registered cultural assets, do not have good earthquake resistance. We experienced this very painfully. One issue is related to the ground, the second is the resistance or reactions of our buildings to earthquakes. We, as the General Directorate of Foundations, have determined all the improvements that need to be made regarding the grounds. Subsequently, statistical calculations and modeling have been made for the buildings to withstand earthquakes more resiliently, and now our buildings have started to rise.”
“WE TARGET TO COMPLETE RESTORATION OF 7 OR 8 ARTIFACTS WITHIN THIS YEAR”
He stated that they aimed to complete 7 or 8 of the foundation artifacts affected by the earthquake and whose restoration has started within this year.
Emphasizing that these periods could be extended due to the extent of damage or interventions in the structure and ground, he said, “Actually, these periods are normal for such works. We plan to complete the restoration of almost all of our remaining artifacts by 2025.”
