Investigation of the Types of Deterioration Observed in Kozkalesi (Hatay)

Abstract

Hatay, which is located between Asia, Europe and Africa continents and is the crossroads of civilizations throughout human history, stands out as a significant point for many cultures. Human beings living at this crossroads have managed to make geological environments a part of their lives and have made the most of the potential of these environments. Such structures are sometimes a shelter or temples carved into rock units, and sometimes they are defensive structures made as a sign of power and sovereignty. In this study, the Kozkalesi monument near the Kozkalesi neighborhood in Hatay province, where the types of deterioration caused by atmospheric and anthropological effects are widely observed, was examined. The material properties of this defense monument, which was built on a carbonated rock by leveling its surface, were investigated by non-destructive tests in-situ, and the deterioration that developed was determined by observation in-situ. In addition to providing information about some features of the rock in the region, the deterioration observed in Kozkalesi will form an important basis for conservation planning studies.