DETERIORATION ON THE STONE SURFACES OF THE DIYARBAKIR NEBI MOSQUE

Aim: The study aims to determine the types of deterioration that occur in natural stones of the Nebi Mosque, and the effects that cause them to deteriorate, and to draw attention to the importance of protecting the building. The scope of the study is constituted by the findings obtained by observation-based research in light of the current literature. Method: In the study, the deteriorations observed in the basalt stone and limestone of the Diyarbakır Nebi Mosque were examined by photographing in-situ. In addition to the photographs, the types of deterioration on the facades were processed using the mapping method and the areas of the stone surfaces affected by the deterioration types were calculated. The obtained numerical data were used to compare the degradation types quantitatively. Findings: In the stone materials of the building, physicomechanical deterioration such as crack formation, alveolization, and abrasion, which are frequently observed in hot-dry climates, were found. In addition to physicomechanical deterioration, chemical deterioration types such as corrosion, black crust formation, efflorescence/salt crystallization, and microkarst formation and deterioration caused by biological effects were observed. Deterioration caused by faulty repairs examined in the category of anthropogenic deterioration also constitutes the damage observed in the building. In addition to the deterioration detected in the study, it is among the findings to reveal the factors that cause deterioration, such as humidity, wind, air pollution, and faulty repair. Results: Diyarbakır Nebi Mosque, which is a historical and cultural heritage, is damaged by natural stone deterioration due to environmental factors. In the study, the technical properties of basalt and limestone forming the structure were determined and the types of deterioration were included. Attention was drawn to the structure and awareness was tried to be created about taking the necessary measures.