Assessing the Impact of the Türkiye February 2023 Earthquakes on Cultural Heritage Sites: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach Utilizing ARIA Maps and Social Media Collaboration

Abstract

Abstract. The earthquakes that occurred in our country on February 6, 2023, significantly damaged and destroyed cultural and historical assets. The Habib-i Nejjar Mosque in Antakya and other important historical sites suffered significant damage. This study provides a comprehensive account of the post-earthquake efforts carried out by volunteers from various disciplines, including archaeology, cartography, space sciences, and architecture, using social media platforms. The volunteers created an extensive database for cultural and archaeological sites in all 11 provinces that were declared disaster zones. This database made it easier to conduct a thorough evaluation of the damage. The database was augmented with surface displacement data, enabling an analysis of damage levels with the exactitude facilitated by the gathered information. The utilization of the Advanced Rapid Imaging and Analysis (ARIA) maps was pivotal in this study. The maps, created through partnerships between NASA and different space agencies, offer intricate satellite imagery and analysis of surface displacement. This is essential for evaluating the effects of earthquakes on cultural heritage sites. The utilization of ARIA maps in this study facilitated an accurate assessment of the seismic impact on cultural and historical resources. Additionally, Sentinel 1 images are used to generate displacement maps with the use of the LICSAR tool and the SBAS method. The study examined the state of about 1500 cultural heritage sites in 11 provinces in the aftermath of the earthquake. The report incorporated data from media coverage and input from relevant parties present at the scene, providing a thorough assessment of the situation following the disaster. For instance, the research revealed substantial shifts at prominent locations, like the UNESCO World Heritage site of Arslantepe in Malatya. This site experienced a displacement of over one meter towards the south and 75 cm towards the west, along with a subsidence of approximately 10 cm in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the study presented a visual representation that depicted the quantity of impaired cultural heritage sites in every province, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the impacted cultural and archaeological resources. This comprehensive strategy not only emphasized the magnitude of harm to cultural heritage but also emphasized the significance of interdisciplinary cooperation in disaster response and heritage preservation.