Analysis of Alteration in Gaziantep Stone Baths

Abstract

This study analyses the deterioration of the stone surfaces of Şıh Hamamı, Eski (Pazarcık) Hamamı, Tabak Hamamı, Hüseyin Paşa Hamamı, Keyvan Bey Hamamı, Lala Mustafa Paşa Hamamı and Naib Hamamı in Gaziantep. Visual analysis method was used in the examination process and the deterioration observed on the stone surfaces of the baths were divided into four main categories: physical, chemical, biological and anthropogenic. Among the physical deterioration, abrasion, surface loss, joint loss and fragment breakage were found to be the most common problems. As for chemical deterioration, surface contamination, discolouration and salting were clearly observed. Due to the nature of the baths, biological deterioration is particularly noteworthy and intense algae formations were observed on the stone surfaces. It is important to take precautions against these degradations in order to ensure that the buildings survive for a longer period of time. In addition, among the anthropogenic deterioration types, neglect, especially the damages caused by the use of Keyvan Bey and Hüseyin Paşa baths as warehouses and commercial areas are among the main problems. This study provides important data on the conservation and restoration of historical baths and contributes to the detailed examination of different types of deterioration on these buildings.