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

A comparative seismic performance assessment of three medieval Turkic brick minarets—the Kalyan Minaret, the Jam Minar, and the Sivas Great Mosque Minaret—reveals that their structural behavior under earthquake loads varies significantly based on material properties, geometry, and construction techniques. The study, utilizing Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis and Time History Analysis with 1999 Kocaeli Earthquake data, found that the Kalyan Minaret, with its thick conical shaft, exhibited superior seismic resilience due to reduced displacements and stress levels. In contrast, the taller and slender Jam Minar showed greater stress concentrations in upper sections, correlating with its observed partial collapse, while the Sivas Great Mosque Minaret displayed high tensile and compressive stresses at critical junctures like the pedestal and transition zone. These findings underscore that medieval minaret designs not only reflected artistic and symbolic intentions but also incorporated engineering considerations to enhance earthquake resistance and stability under lateral loads.

Erdoğan, H. A. (2025). Seismic Performance Assessment of Medieval Turkic Brick Minarets: A Comparative Study. Journal of Design, Planning and Aesthetics Research, 4(2), 139–166. https://doi.org/10.63673/deparch.2025.44