Disaster risk analysis based on geographic information systems (GIS) for the protection of cultural heritage: The case of Ferhat Pasha Mosque in Çatalca

Cultural heritage encompasses all tangible and intangible values related to identity, culture, and history that shared the common past of a society. These values, which serve as a bridge for humanity from history to the present, are regarded as priceless treasures that must be preserved and transmitted to future generations. However, various challenges arise in the protection of cultural heritage. Internal and external factors such as a building's location, ground conditions, improper use and restoration, wars, and natural disasters can lead to damage to cultural heritage assets. This thesis aims to identify the existing disaster risks that threaten and damage cultural properties, examine their effects on historical structures, and provide insights for disaster-resilient planning for both existing and future heritage assets. This study specifically evaluates the geographical location of Ferhat Pasha Mosque, a work by Mimar Sinan, located in Çatalca district of Istanbul province, in terms of disaster risk at the neighborhood scale. For the disaster risk analysis carried out in this direction, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and the Weighted Overlay method were used. Spatial analyses carried out based on eight fundamental factors from both natural and built environmental factors. As a result, it was determined that the mosque's location and the majority of the neighborhood fall within moderately risky and disadvantaged zones. Within the scope of the study, the historical background of Ferhat Pasha Mosque, the interventions it has undergone and the damages it has sustained are examined; its significance, importance and meaning within cultural heritage are discussed. In addition, disaster risk analyses were conducted to enhance the building's resilience, and various recommendations were proposed for disaster- resilient planning. Within the scope of disaster risk analysis of the study area, a sample model was created with the help of GIS and eight parameters were defined as variables on this model. For future studies, the model developed within the framework of the parameters created within the scope of this thesis and the information obtained from these parameters can be used as a method.