Fire prevention measures in historical buildings and palaces: the case study of the fire extinguishing system in the archive warehouse of topkapi palace

Historical buildings are structures built at a specific time in the past, many of which have hosted significant movements or historical events. They carry the cultural, architectural, and economic values of the period in which they were built, providing information about past eras. These structures have found a place in the collective memory of societies or remain undiscovered, possessing historical, artistic, and socio-cultural influences that have survived to the present day. Beyond their aesthetic beauty, historical buildings serve as valuable sources for documenting cultural changes, social interactions, economic activities, and historical turning points from the past to the present. Given these aspects, historical buildings and heritage sites should be preserved under universal norms and passed on to future generations. Historical buildings are preserved through scientific restoration and conservation efforts carried out in accordance with international and local regulations. Additionally, they are integrated into modern life for different purposes, maintained, and repaired to ensure their sustainability for future generations. Some significant historical buildings and palaces, which bear traces of the past, are used as museums due to the artifacts they house. Meanwhile, other historical structures have been repurposed for cultural activities such as concert halls, theaters, art galleries, tourism, accommodation, hotels, restaurants, offices, and residential use. These functions contribute to the sustainability of cultural heritage. Despite efforts to protect and repurpose historical buildings, they remain vulnerable to various threats, the most significant being fire hazards. Fires can partially or completely destroy historical buildings, leading to significant loss of life due to human factors. They can also result in the complete destruction of areas carrying traces of human civilization, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and both tangible and intangible elements of historical significance. First and foremost, it should be acknowledged that historical buildings contain multiple sources of fire risk. The use of combustible traditional materials, faulty construction and repair techniques, heating systems, electrical installations with deficiencies or errors, uncleaned chimneys, dust accumulation in roof sections, poor ventilation, and human negligence are the primary causes of fires in these structures. Although the materials used in historical buildings enhance their aesthetic appeal, they also pose a fire risk. Flammable materials such as wood, textiles, paper, straw, animal-based materials, and organic binders facilitate the rapid spread of fire. The combination of these factors increases the vulnerability of historical buildings to fire. To understand the extent of fire hazards in historical buildings, major fires around the world and in Turkey have been examined. Globally, events such as the Great Fire of Rome (AD 64), the Fire of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (356 BC), the Notre Dame Cathedral Fire (2019), and the Windsor Castle Fire (1992) illustrate the destructive impact of fires on historical structures. In Turkey, incidents such as the Hagia Sophia Fires (404-532-859), the Old Palace Fire (1540), and the Grand Bazaar Fires (1515, 1954) demonstrate how cultural heritage has been affected by fires. These fires highlight the critical importance of taking preventive measures to protect historical structures. This study examines, in detail, the necessary precautions to protect historical buildings from fire hazards, existing fire safety systems, and fire risks. The measures required to protect historical structures from fire have been categorized into two main groups: passive measures and active measures. Passive measures primarily consist of engineering and architectural solutions aimed at enhancing structural fire safety. The use of fire-resistant materials, fire compartmentalization systems, natural ventilation solutions, the integration of modern electrical systems, and the proper organization of fire escape routes significantly reduce fire risks. Emergency exit doors and evacuation systems, risk analyses, fire drills, and personnel training are essential for ensuring fire protection in historical buildings. Active measures, on the other hand, focus on detecting and extinguishing fires and enabling quick intervention. Fire detection and alarm systems, as well as fire suppression systems, fall into this category. The proper design, maintenance, and regular inspection of these systems are crucial for the safety of historical buildings. As a case study, this research examines the Argon Gas Fire Suppression System used in the Archive Storage of Topkapi Palace. This system functions by reducing the oxygen level in the area, thereby halting combustion and controlling the fire. Since argon gas leaves no chemical residue after extinguishing the fire and causes far less damage to artifacts and structures compared to water-based systems, it is particularly used in museums, libraries, and archives. The implementation details and advantages of this system have been discussed, along with strategies for making it more widespread in the preservation of historical structures and artifacts. In the conclusion section of this study, existing issues related to fire protection in historical buildings have been addressed, and strategies for improving their protection have been discussed. Protecting historical structures should not be limited to structural measures alone but must also be supported by regulations, inspections, and public awareness. Increasing awareness of fire protection for historical buildings, conducting regular fire risk assessments, establishing training programs, and considering fire safety elements in restoration processes are of great importance. Based on this study, several fundamental recommendations have been developed for improving fire safety in historical buildings. First, regular fire risk assessments should be conducted and updated. Existing fire regulations should be expanded and updated to better meet the needs of historical buildings. Fire protection standards should be established specifically for historical structures. Compliance with regulations should be ensured through inspections and periodic checks. During restoration processes, fire safety considerations should be prioritized, and modern fire suppression systems should be integrated without damaging historical integrity. With the advancement of technology, fire detection and suppression solutions should become more widespread. Historical buildings serve as bridges between the past and the future, reflecting the richness of civilizations. The protection of cultural heritage is not only the responsibility of the countries that house these structures but a shared duty of all humanity. Therefore, a comprehensive approach should be adopted, utilizing advanced fire safety measures and modern fire suppression technologies. The use of fire-resistant materials, automatic fire detection and suppression systems, regular maintenance and repair work, and personnel training are crucial for protecting historical buildings. These structures should be repurposed in line with their intended functions, and by implementing advanced fire safety measures and modern fire suppression technologies, their preservation for future generations should be ensured.