Masonry Design | 67
pounds each. Beneath the scaffolding is a pebble
mosaic covered road that was the main entrance
into the city. It is protected by a one-foot layer
of earth and a railroad tie mat to support the
heavy-duty scaffolding.
Fig 35 shows the facing stones in the bulge area
during removal. The fill behind the walls is broken
stone and earth. In Fig 36, a cracked facing stone
(20 inches to 36 inches wide) is stood up on end
and pinned with stainless steel rods and epoxy
adhesive. The worker is one of four Italian conservators
that are working with Turkish workers.
Because the construction season is from mid-
June to mid-August, the project started in 2014
will be completed in 2018. The facing stones will
be reinstalled in 2017 with stainless steel anchors
that will anchor them to the earthen fill behind. A
lime-based mortar is being used to fill the joints
because the mud plaster is not being reapplied.
Voids in the earthen fill are being injected with a
lime-based grout and the tops of the walls will be
protected with a soft capping of membrane and
plantings. Walls that are not being rebuilt will be
pointed with lime-based mortar and the voids in
the fill injected. The repair techniques are similar
to what would be done in the United States. However,
the materials are more difficult to obtain and
the local workers need to be trained.
Finally, we go to Ankara. Following the fall of the
Ottoman Empire, it became the capital of the
republic. There are numerous masonry historic
sites with Roman and Ottoman architectural influences.
Fig 37 shows the citadel high on a lava
outcropping which dates back prior to 1,000 AD.
It was begun by the Galatians and completed by
the Romans. Over the centuries, it has seen numerous
repairs and modifications. Today following
restorations, it houses restaurants shops and
lodging in the original homes.
Our last stop is the Augustus Temple c. 20 BC
(Fig 38). The interior walls hold the inscription of
the history of the reign of Augustus, Rome’s first
empire. The steel frame stabilization is meant
to act as earthquake bracing. The supports are
fitted with pads that won’t stain or scar the marble
stones. To the right is the Hacı Bayram mosque
built in the 2nd millenium AD.
Turkey has much more to offer in terms of masonry
monuments, restorations and conservation
projects. This article gives you a taste of the
marvelous masonry heritage you’ll find in Turkey
should you ever visit.
33. 34.
35. 36.
38.
37.