Aim and Scope

The aim of the Preliminary Environmental Design Project (PEDP) is to prevent the deterioration of sculptures caused by uncontrolled mass tourism, to establish decisions concerning the conservation of monuments (without any physical intervention) and ensure controlled presentation and regular monitoring of the area until conservation and restoration works are defined, and to define a Management Model for their implementation. Besides preliminary architectural drawings of Visitor Centers at Adıyaman and Malatya entrances of Nemrut, 1/5.000-1/10.000 scale development plans were produced.

The environmental design project is completed in two stages as Preliminary Environmetal Design Project (PEDP) and Environmental Design Implemetation Project (EDIP). The PEDP was approved by Şanlıurfa Conservation Council in January 2008 and the EDIP is approved in December 2009.

Environmental Design Implementation Project consists of the architectural drawings with various scales from 1/500 up to 1/50 of the festival area (former cafeteria), site office, guardians office buildings and the landscape elements and presentation of the site.

Methodology

The decisions made within the framework of the PEDP is based on the analysis of macro-scale plans in order to evaluate national and international legal requirements concerning the site; the assessment of the present condition of Nemrut; and the defined problems and potentials in the area.

Macro-Scale

Examined documents, the results of which were directly reflected upon the plans and projects, are as follows:

• Adana and Şanlıurfa Conservation Council and Ministerial Committee Decisions
• Southeast Anatolia Region Tourism Inventory and Tourism Development Plan (GAP-TETGP, 1999?)
• Mount Nemrut National Park Long-Term Development Plan (NDMP UDGP, 2002)
• Integrated Strategic Action Plan (ESEP, 2005) prepared within the context of the Southeast Anatolia Cultural Heritage Conservation and Tourism Development Plan (2005-2015)
• NEMRUT/ UNESCO WHS Periodic Reporting (2006)

Natural Environment and Roads

In order to preserve the natural environment of the Tumulus of Mount Nemrut and its values, it is planned to protect the site’s present natural characteristics. The roads connected to the area are deemed adequate, however a gradual improvement in their standards is proposed. The Mount Nemrut National Park Long-Term Development Plan proposes controlled vehicle entry to the site from the visitor centers onward. The PEDP envisaged access to Nemrut through seven visitor routes that will be opened progressively and made decisions for the use of the Sacred Processional Ways as well as disabled access to the area.

In accordance with these design decisions, the East and West pedestrian roads are kept but are arranged to join the Festival Amphitheater. The West Pedestrian Road follows the existing itinerary whereas the East Pedestrian Road is oriented towards the West Processional Way of the antique period. Both roads will be covered by gravels. In long term the two processional ways are planned to become the main approaches to the tumulus. The west approach from the Malatya direction is planned to follow the original itinerary of the East Processional Way, and the approach from Adiyaman will follow the original itinerary of the West Processional Way.

In the PEPD, a seperate itinerary and a special vehicule is designed for the disabled access. The itinerary starts from the west side of the festival amphitheater, continues towards north, goes around the Tumulus on the west side and reaches the East Terrace from the north. The road proceeds up to the Tumulus with a maximum grade of 15% following the topography. The vehicule is designed to carry the disabled person and two companions. Being pulled by mules, the vehicle rolls on rails. The arrival point of the vehicule is the wooden platform constructed between the North and East Terraces. The disabled go around the Tumulus on their own afterwards. The wooden platform continues all along the pedestrian access connecting the terraces. In order to adjust the existing road to allow access to the disabled, it is leveled by infill of compacted gravel. The platform is fixed on a steel frame placed on stone gravel infill. The platform is adjacent to the 50 cm high dry-stone wall holding up the Tumulus gravel.

Uses and Users

Four user groups were defined:

1. Visitors

2. Security guards

3. Personnel and researchers present or planning to work at the site

4. Artists and visitors participating in the festival

Considering the uses and users in the area, spatial problems were determined concerning safety, presentation, as well as basic requirements such as resting, dwelling, eating-drinking, WC. New building / spatial arrangements to meet these requirements were made within the scope of PEDP.

Existing Buildings

Aside from the archaeological elements at the site, man-made temporary structures (restoration laboratory, caravans, etc.), reinforced concrete or stone masonry permanent structures (cafeteria, water depot, etc.), building remains (sheepfolds, toilets, etc.) and building traces (construction foundations) were evaluated based on their effect on the visual unity of the site and their function, quality and location, upon which it was decided to remove them in phases. The cafeteria, which is located at the south and observed from the tumulus, will be demolished after the construction of the Visitor Center, to be replaced by a car park and a festival area.

New Buildings to be constructed

The construction of certain new buildings at the site and its near environs is planned in order to properly present the site to visitors, provide a contemporary shelter for the guards and a suitable environment for research groups who will be working at the site. The following buildings will be constructed:

– Two Visitor Centers (one at the Adıyaman entrance, the other at the Malatya entrance), and visitors’ toilets.

– A guard house for the guards who will be on duty at the site for long periods, and a field office for research groups (to be constructed at a location near the tumulus, but not visible from its surroundings)

– An open-air theatre for the local festival to be constructed on the damaged topography that will be revealed following the destruction of the existing cafeteria building.

A site office for the excavation and research team, storage area, and a space for the security guards will be constructed at the east of the East Terrace, at a lower and hidden part where the remains of sheepfolds take place. The access to the building is by a stone stairway built on the natural topography. The façades of the one storey building will be cladded by local natural stone.

All the temporary buildings in the area (the restoration laboratory, caravans), the concrete or stone buildings (cafeteria, water storage), building remains (sheepfolds, toilet) and traces of the buildings (foundation remains) are planned to be removed gradually over time. The cafeteria building to the south of the Tumulus will be removed after the completion of the Visitor Houses and a festival area will be built in its place.

The Festival Area which will be the last vehicule access point at Mount Nemrut is planned to be an open air amphitheater with a car parking area made of two levels. The festival area is planned to host the annual Nemrut Festival, the beginning of the pedestrian roads and the disabled road start from this area.

An amphitheater, with a seating capacity of approximately 1000 people to host the Annual Nemrut Festival, will be constructed on the land where the existing cafeteria stands today.

Under the scene, located at the west part of the amphitheater, a backstage and artist dressing room and the the storage area to shelter the disabled vehicules take place and at the same time a shaded area is obtained for the visitors waiting to climb to the Tumulus by mules or with the disabled vehicule.

Toilet cabins will be put into service for the visitors. The cabins will be made of high performance solid acrylic material and will be located at the points invisible from the main circulation roads around the tumulus.

Presentation and Landscape Elements

Certain landscape elements (benches, chain barriers, waste bins, and information/preventive panels) exist at the site in response to present needs. However, these elements are mostly of low quality and inadequate in number. The types, location and general aspects of landscape elements necessary for the presentation of the tumulus in accordance with contemporary criteria and security at the site were therefore determined within the context of the PEDP. The project proposed the placement of information/circulation/ presentation/preventive, etc. panels, waste bins, benches, barriers, circulation platforms, viewing points/binoculars, security cameras, etc. and new landscape elements which do not harm the integrity of the site, constructed of stone or embedded within stone, at levels which do not hinder the perception of the archaeological elements at the site.

Infrastructure Elements

There is no water or electricity at the near environs of the tumulus. Although it is not planned to illuminate the tumulus, water and electricity will be supplied without harming the landscape in order to ensure security and control at the site, to respond to visitor needs and to facilitate future conservation work at the site.

Administration, Security and Surveillance

The Adıyaman Museum, responsible for the archaeological site, has ensured security at the site by assigning four guards working in shifts during the season. It is difficult for the guards, who operate in pairs, to provide security in the area. Thus, the site will not be entered without the company of Site Guides. This way, local people will be educated as Site Guides and employment opportunities will be created.

In order to provide security, a camera surveillance system, with 360° vision angle which are installed suitable to observe the whole terrace and the roads will be installed. The image will be transferred to the Camera Unit which is located at a point unseen from the tumulus, a single space building cladded with local stone.

Figure 1 Methodology used in Mount Nemrut Tumulus Environmental Design Project

Figure 2 The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

Figure 3 The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

Figure 4 The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

Figure 5 The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

Figure 6 The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

Figure 7 The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

Figure 8 Guardian caravans located in the archeological area, METU-CNCDP, 2006.

Figure 9 Gendarme caravans located in the open auto-park area, METU-CNCDP, 2006.

Figure 10 Remains of toilet building located on the eastern sacred way, METU-CNCDP, 2006.

Figure 11 The hut located in the south-east side of Tumulus, METU-CNCDP, 2006.

Figure 12 The foundation pit, which is percieved from a long distance, is located in the Photo -west direction of tumulus, METU-CNCDP, 2006.

Figure 13 Personnel shelters and water depot (Y6) METU-CNCDP, 2006.

Figure 14 Existing cafeteria, METU-CNCDP, 2006.

Figure 15 a-b-c

Figure 16 Mount Nemrut Tumulus Environmental Design Project

Figure 17 Mount Nemrut Tumulus Environmental Design Project

Figure 18 The festival area and car parking at the south of the Tumulus (the former cafeteria area)

Figure 19 Festival area – section

Figure 20 Lanscape elements at the Tumulus

Figure 21 Site office and guardians office

Figure 22 Security camera unit

Methodology used in Mount Nemrut Tumulus Environmental Design Project

The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

The use of area during the Nemrut Festival in 2006, METU-CNCDP, 2006

Guardian caravans located in the archeological area, METU-CNCDP, 2006.

Gendarme caravans located in the open auto-park area, METU-CNCDP, 2006.

Remains of toilet building located on the eastern sacred way, METU-CNCDP, 2006.

The hut located in the south-east side of Tumulus, METU-CNCDP, 2006.

The foundation pit, which is percieved from a long distance, is located in the Photo -west direction of tumulus, METU-CNCDP, 2006.

Existing cafeteria, METU-CNCDP, 2006.

Location of the site office

Mount Nemrut Tumulus Environmental Design Project

Mount Nemrut Tumulus Environmental Design Project

The festival area and car parking at the south of the Tumulus

Festival area – section

Lanscape elements at the Tumulus

Site office and guardians office

Security camera unit

In accordance with the Mount Nemrut National Park Long-Term Development Plan, two Visitor Centers were envisioned within the context of the PEDP; one at the Adıyaman side and the other at the Malatya side. The development plans, preliminary architectural projects and application the visitor centers were prepared. As most of the tourists arrive from the Adıyaman direction, the building at that side has a more comprehensive design.

ADIYAMAN VISITOR CENTER

The Adıyaman Visitor Center will be constructed 2 km south of the Tumulus, at the nearest invisible area from the tumulus at a topographically suitable site. The building will be the last point for vehicular access with a car park for the visitors.

The objects of the design are to answer the needs and expectations of the different visitor groups (tourist, handicapped, student, etc.) and to offer open and closed spaces enabling alternative activities. The center will provide the visitors with contemporary presentation tools through which they will be informed about Nemrut, and their other needs will be taken care of. Besides its functionality, the building was designed with a concept which integrates the spatial continuity, circulation, light and conception of the environment.

The two storey Adıyaman Visitor Center is oriented towards south facing the landscape with a spatial organization providing visual continuity between floors. The building is hidden in the landsape, difficult to be perceived from the road and the car park. The natural topography between the building and the main road is conserved and tunnel formed entry- exit corridors are designed for the access.

A wooden terrace goes all along the southern façade of the building looking down the landscape. The wooden terrace enlarges towards the east end with an angle coherent with the topography and the roof fringe proceeds to cover the terrace. The cylindrical steel columns carry the terrace and the superstructure. To the north an inner courtyard is created in between the slope of the landscape and the building. All façade openings of the building are designed to be totally closed when the structure remains inactive in winter season in order to be protected from the harsh climatic conditions. The façades are cladded with large size rough stones.

The main circulation axis is between the entry-exit points on the east and west ends of the building. The exhibition spaces, rest areas, multi-purpose room, sales units and cafeteria are placed at left and right sides of this main axis. The visitors enter the building fom the west entrance on the lower level, tour around the Nemrut exhibitions, pause and have rest and exit from the east end on the upper level in order to take the road to the Tumulus.

The galery gap in the middle of the building including the stairs and the handicapped elevator provides the spatial contunity between the exhibition spaces and rest areas in the upstairs. With the help of roof skylight in the galery projection, sunlight mostly reach to the downstairs in earth.
In the exhibition spaces, all of the values of Nemrut Dag Tumulus are aimed to be presented. After the visitors pass the entry hall and reception unit in downstairs, they are provided to follow the informations in the languages they prefer by headphoned devices.

The lower exhibition space has modules that have thematic issues on it and presented inscriptions about Commagene Kingdom. These themes are Nemrut Mount national Park, “Lion Horoscope” and astrological datings, model of site area, location and features of Tumulus, architectural features of structures, informations about the three terraces, regional geographical conditions and physical features. In order to diversify the graphical presentation and to gain 3D perception, some elements will be used such as site model, small replicas of statue heads that can be touched by visually handicapped people and copy of Lion Horoscope stelle in the presentation.

In the downstairs multi-purpose room, there are movie/DVD/video presentations in four different languages. The open-closed lounges of the room which will host various activities at different times look to the southern landscape.

The upper exhibition space is evaluated as one mass with the inner courtyard at the North and a large furnice that can be percepted both from inner space and outer space is placed to the center. King Antiochos’ Nomos is presented here as Turkish and English and original dimension replicas of Nomos are presented in stone masonry courtyard walls. The visitors encounter the inscription here for the first time. In the rest of the exhibitions, the story of Nemrut Dag Tumulus is explained from its discovered times.
Next to the upper exhibition halls there is sale unit where the visitors can get souvenirs peciluar to vicinity. Rest areas, cafeteria and terrace are placed oriented to the landscape with an interrelating order. In those spaces where it is arranged that the visitors can rest and eat between the sunrise and sunset, they wait for re-climbing to the Tumulus.

MALATYA VISITOR CENTER

Malatya Visitor Center is positioned in the arrival direction of Malatya to Nemrut Dag Tumulus in order to inform and meet the needs of visitors. The building which is approximately in 2km northeast of Tumulus, is the last vehicle access point from Malatya. The building is a one storey structure that has the same architectural language and approach with Adıyaman Visitor Center that is about spatial speculation, circulation, façade organization, relationship with light and environment.
The application projects of visior centers were done by SAYKA İnşaat Mimarlık Müh. Müş. Tic. Ltd. Şti. The projects are approved by the Sanliurfa Cultural and Natural Assets Regional Preservation Council on 30 December 2009.

Organisational chart of Mount Nemrut National Park and the magament of the Tumulus of Mount Nemrut (CNCDP PEDP, 2007: 651)

Central and local responsibilities and authorities / Organisational chart (CNCDP PEDP, 2007: 646)

Central and local responsibilities and authorities / Organisational chart (CNCDP PEDP, 2007: 646)

Adıyaman Visitor Center, model

Adıyaman Visitor Center, upper floor plan

Adıyaman Visitor Center, lower floor plan

Adıyaman Visitor Center

Adıyaman Visitor Center, section

Adıyaman Visitor Center, section

Adıyaman Visitor Center

Adıyaman Visitor Center

Adıyaman Visitor Center, section

Adıyaman Visitor Center, elevation

Adıyaman Visitor Center, resting spaces

Adıyaman Visitor Center, resting spaces

Adıyaman Visitor Center, resting spaces

Adıyaman Visitor Center, exhibition space

Adıyaman Visitor Center, exhibition space

Adıyaman Visitor Center, exhibition space

Adıyaman Visitor Center, resting spaces

Adıyaman Visitor Center, exhibition space

Adıyaman Visitor Center, gift shop

Adıyaman Visitor Center, gift shop

Adıyaman Visitor Center, gift shop

Adıyaman Visitor Center, multi-purpose room

Malatya Visitor Center, ground floor plan

Malatya Visitor Center, section

Malatya Visitor Center, section

Malatya Visitor Center, elevation

Malatya Visitor Center, elevation

This research aims to ensure that consolidation work:- Forms a structure similar in composition to that of the existing stones,- is re-applicable,- Compatible and unified with the less deteriorated and sound original structure.

Researches done in the scope of the project include the following:

Scope

1. Analysis of stone deterioration: Determination of changes created in the stones’ physical, mechanical, mineralogical and chemical structure.

2. Definition of conservation interventions:

• Definition of consolidation methods and their testing on stones geologically similar to the monumental stones
• Development of compatible mortars for re-adhering and filling gaps,
• Evaluation of the conservation interventions to be applied with respect to their durability and compatibility.

3. Compatibility and durability testing of conservation interventions:
Experimental implementation tests on stones geologically similar to the monumental stones and in pilot areas selected on the monuments.

4. Definition of interventions and education of implementation team:
The definition of methods with respect to materials and implementation techniques based on experiments and in-situ tests, as well as on site work to be implemented in later stages.

Research

1. Analyses on the monument

• Mapping of deterioration types
• Infrared image analysis
• Ultrasonic sound measurements
• Color measurements

2. Laboratory Analyses

• Determination of physico-mechanical characteristics
• Micro samples taken from the monument

• Optical microscopic analysis of thick and thin section
• SEM-EDX analysis of thick samples
• FTIR analyses
• XRD analyses

• Durability experiments: Salt crystallization, wetting-drying and freezing-thawing cycle tests of artificially decayed stones to determine/perform

• Physico-mechanical characteristics
• Analysis of micro-structural characteristics by SEM-EDX and thin section analyses
• Color analyses
• Dilation characteristics
• Research on Conservation Interventions:
• Control of biological deterioration
• Prevention of the formation and/or development of detachments, layering and indentation by reducing crack development
• Consolidation by the formation of minerals similar to existing stones’ structure
• Filling of fine cracks and capillaries
• Adhering, filling cracks and gaps with compatible mortars

Development of surface consolidation methods by biomineralization

Research Results

Laboratory and field works and research results include the following:

• Investigation with non-destructive analyses: Pre and post monitoring analyses of urgent and comprehensive intervention areas by non-destructive analyses
• Diagnosis studies of decay problems on limestone statues and their bases and the relevant conservation applications
• Diagnosis studies of decay problems on sandstone statues and steles and development of conservation methods
• Investigation of biological deterioration
• Preparation of pozzolanic mortar in order to stick the detached layers and to fill the large cracks and gaps
• Investigation of protective textile covers

As a result, the following proposals are developed:

• Stone Maintenance and Intervention Program (5 Year Program)

• Stone Maintenance and Intervention Descriptions, Team Definition and Education

• Main Principals of Stone Material Oriented Interventions
• Limestone oriented Interventions (ILIMESTONE)
• Sandstone oriented Interventions (ISANDSTONE)
• Stone Conservation Studies Research and Education Team
• Qualification of trainees and education program

• Mapping of the Intervention Descriptions at the site
• Definition of Monitoring activities and duration

Intermediate results about the studies have been reported and presented to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in stages since December 2008. Material Investigation Final Report was finalized in August 2011 and was approved by Ministry of Culture and Tourism in October 2011.

The conservation-repair activities and the projects were developed according to the material investigation results.

Ultrasonic velocity measurements

Infrared Image Analysis, Commagene (limestone), East Terrace

Infrared Image Analysis, lion (sandstone), East Terrace

Preparation of solutions

Pozzolanic mortars

Views from site work

Views from site work

Views from site work

Views from site work

Protective textile studies

Protective textile studies

Mapping of Intervention Descriptions on Monuments, East Terrace Lion urgent intervention mapping

NÇ1: Decreasing the activity of clay minerals by nano dispersive solutions (to all cracks)
NÇ2: Consolidation by nano dispersive solution (to the thinnest cracks)
İH: Repair by injection mortar (to the thinnest cracks after NÇ1)
DH: Repair by filling mortar (to the thick cracks after NÇ1)

Mapping of Intervention Descriptions on Monuments, West Terrace sandstone lion
YAÇ1: Application of solutions including surfactant between the scales
YAÇ2: Application of solutions including surfactant to the stone surfaces

Aim

The purpose of the geological study is to investigate the deterioration mechanisms of the stones and to provide data for the purpose of conservation of the statues.

Rock Types

Statues: Limestone
Horoscope and Reliefs: Sandstone

Weathering Forms

• Widening of fractures in limestone due to dissolution
• Dissolution related pitting in limestone
• Spalling along bedding planes of sandstone

Field Studies

• Geological mapping
• Sampling from geological formations
• Investigation of weathering forms on natural outcrops
• Investigation of weathering forms on the statues
• Fracture analysis on statues with the help of photographs
• Crack and pitting analyses
• Detection of possible further material loss areas

Laboratory Studies

• Preparing 400 cube samples with dimensions of 5x5x5cm
• Determination of physico-mechanical properties of the samples
• Ageing testing on cube samples
• Ageing Testing: (Order of deterioration) Salt crystallization > Freeze-Thaw > Wet-Dry
• Mineralogical and petrographical investigations
• XRD, XRF and SEM analyses

Intermediate results about the studies have been reported and presented to Ministry of Culture and Tourism in stages since December 2008. Geological Investigation Final Report was finalized with the Material Investigation Final Report at August 2011 and was approved by Ministry of Culture and Tourism at October 2011.

Conservation-repair projects propositions were developed according to geological investigation results.

Limestone statue

Sandstone relief

Widening of fractures in limestone due to dissolution

Dissolution related pitting in limestone

Spalling along bedding planes of sandstone

Geological map of the investigated area

Geological formations in the region

Geological formations in the region

Geological formations in the region

Geological formations in the region

Ageing testing

Percentages of cracks and pittings of the limestone statues of the West Terrace.

Variation of the physical and mechanical properties of the rocks after freezing-thawing (red line for limestone, turquoise line for sandstone).

Variation of the physical and mechanical properties of the rocks after salt crystallization (Na2SO4) tests (red line for limestone, turquoise line for sandstone).

Variation of the physical and mechanical properties of the sandstone after ageing tests (purple line for salt crystallization, red for freezing-thawing, turquoise line for wetting-drying)

Variation of the physical and mechanical properties of the sandstone after ageing tests (purple line for salt crystallization, red for freezing-thawing, turquoise line for wetting-drying)

Variation of the physical and mechanical properties of the sandstone after ageing tests (purple line for salt crystallization, red for freezing-thawing, turquoise line for wetting-drying)

The relationship between number of pitting and their sizes at the East Terrace

The structural investigations of Nemrut monuments aimed mainly to reverse-engineer collapses in the east and west terraces. Various monitoring, modeling, and testing studies carried out since November 2006 within this framework are listed below.

Climatic Data Analysis

Monitoring temperature, humidity, wind direction, and wind speed by means of a variety of sensors located on the site

Wind sensor and solar panel

Temperature–humidity data collected between August 19, 2006 and December 25, 2007

Wind speed and direction between October 16 and December 25, 2007

Analytical Modeling

Analytical modeling of the monuments using different tools and methods

Analytical model of a typical Nemrut monument using SAP 2000

Analytical model of a typical Nemrut monument using ANSYS

Analytical model of a typical Nemrut monument using Ls-Dyna

Earthquake Analysis

Recorded and synthetic earthquake analyses performed on these analytical models (17 January 1995 Kobe–Japan, 13 March 1992 Erzincan–Turkey, 17 August 1999 Gölcük–Turkey, 5 June 1999 Lucerne–Switzerland, and 12 November 1999 Düzce–Turkey)

First four modal shapes obtained at the end of modal analysis carried out by SAP 2000

Monument damage after Kobe earthquake and displacement graph

Blast Loading Analysis

Blast loading analyses performed on these analytical models

Collapse of the monument at 0.97, 1, 3.8, and 5th seconds, respectively, in the case 2000 kg explosive is used

Collapse of the monument at 0.97, 1, 3.8, and 5th seconds, respectively, in the case 2000 kg explosive is used

Dynamic Tests

Dynamic tests performed at two technical visits to the site

Placement of accelerometers

A typical screen obtained from an analysis with ARTEMIS, showing modes fitted to experimentally obtained data

Manual curve fitting on two overlapping modes at 21 and 45 Hz, obtained for the x direction

Curve fit for vibration mode of 43 Hz obtained for the y direction

Snow Load Analysis

Calculation of probable snow load in the site

Head of Herakles-Artagnes in the west terrace

View from the west terrace

Vehicle road to Mount Nemrut Tumulus

Conclusions

The following conclusions can be drawn at the end of the studies carried out so far and summarized above:

• Even though it is possible that the monuments collapsed as a result of repeated seismic activities, it is insufficient to say that the earthquake is the explanation of physical integrity difference between the monuments of the two terraces. The fact that in the east terrace all blocks were collapsed in the east direction whereas in the west terrace all blocks were collapsed in the west direction is incongruous with the demolition forms after earthquake.

• The computer simulations have shown that the monuments can also collapse as a result of blast loading. However, a reasonable relationship between the diameters of the craters at the tumulus and the amount of explosive used cannot be reached. In order to constitute the crater diameter with explosive tons of them are needed and it is not physically possible. Probably, craters were opened by hand or machine digging. Therefore it is thought that monuments did not collapse as a result of an explosion.
• The monuments could be destroyed under snow load. That possibility is important for the explanation of the difference between two terraces if the monitoring studies conclude that the dominant wind direction is from east to west. As the wind direction sensors could not be operated regularly because of the exterior conditions, the wind direction could not be determined exactly. However, the previous researchers’ observations and photographs which show the west terrace under extreme snow load; also the fact that the slope of the tumulus ending just at the behind of the monuments at the west terrace and the statue blocks collapsed all in the same direction and fell far from tumulus support the idea of snow caused destruction.
• As a consequence of analytical models and measurements on monuments, one single earthquake cannot destroy the monuments but it is evaluated that more than one earthquake could move the stones step by step and caused a collapse in hundreds years of time. It is estimated that the destruction in the west terrace is not because of the earthquake, due to the snow or foundation settlements unidirectional collapse was occurred.

Intermediate results about the studies have been reported and presented to Ministry of Culture and Tourism in phases since December 2008. The Structural Investigations Final Report was finalized with the Material Investigation Final Report in August 2011 and was approved by Ministry of Culture and Tourism inOctober 2011.

Conservation-repair activities and the projects were developed according to the structural investigation results.

Accelerometer used in the dynamical measurements

The placement of accelerometers used in the dynamical measurements

The places of 7 points on statue 1 and 2 respectively where accelerometers are disposed

The places of 7 points on statue 1 and 2 respectively where accelerometers are disposed

Performing dynamical measurements

Documentation work is to comprise the following:

1. Measured Drawings: A total of 39 drawings in scales varying from 1:10 to 1:500 showing the current status of the Tumulus and its near vicinity,

2. Architectural Blocks Documentation Work (ABDW): A total of 107 drawings, either in 1:10 or 1:20 scale, mapping the deterioration of 408 stone blocks in the area

3. Architectural Blocks Data Base (ABDB): A list of 768 stone blocks with 1:50 scale drawings and descriptions in Microsoft Excel,

4. Mount Nemrut Tumulus Documentation Report: A report of the historical background and architectural properties of the site, including information gathered from all previous researches, as well as a definition of the problems of the site.

Measured Drawings:

The drawings were completed after the completion of the site works in the summer seasons of 2006 and 2008. The drawings were controlled at site and final revisions were made during the 2009 summer work period. All drawings were completed and submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in October 2010.

There are a total of 39 measured drawings of the Tumulus and surrounding areas.

1:500 scaled measured drawings

The 1/500 scaled plans, comprising two sheets, cover the Tumulus itself, the three terraces and the surrounding areas, including the cafeteria.

1:200 scaled measured drawings

Nine of the 13 1:200 scaled drawings are plans, while the rest are sections and elevations. Plans A, B and C together cover the cafeteria to the south and the adjacent car park; the Mount Nemrut Tumulus at the center; the Sacred Processional Way to the east; and the North Terrace and Malatya road to the north (Figure 1a). The two section/elevations and the two 1:200 scale sections of the Tumulus along the east-west and north-south axes show the Tumulus, the Terraces and surrounding areas in three dimensions.

1:50 scaled measured drawings

The 1:50 scaled drawings comprise 16 plans and eight section-elevation drawings covering the East, West and North Terraces and the Tumulus

Methodology of Documentation:

The measured drawings were prepared during the site studies of 15 September–03 October, 2006 and 10 October–20 October, 2008. The measurements were taken using optical/electronic devices over the course of 30 days by a site team comprising five specialists.

The measurements were connected to the polygons of the national grid coordinate system on the 1:1000 and 1:5000 scale ortho-photo maps prepared in 2007, which cover an area of 2,584 hectares and include the environs of Mount Nemrut Tumulus and Kahta.

All drawings are sdcanned as image and transformed to digital form by the use of computer programs. In addition, the Tumulus and its surroundings were documented with 3,860 photographs.

Architectural Blocks Documentation Work (ABDW):

In addition to the documentation work explained above, some of the most important stone blocks were measured and drawn in 1:20 or 1:10 scales. . This work comprises the documentation of the visible façades of 402 stone blocks at the site. For 308 of these blocks, deterioration mappings of the visible sides were prepared.

Mount Nemrut Tumulus –Architectural Blocks Data Base (MNT-ABDB):

Over seven hundred stone blocks are studied in the site.

In addition to this, in order to help perceive the site as a whole and also to create a thorough inventory of the area, a database – the Mount Nemrut Tumulus Architectural Blocks Data Base (MNT-ABDB) – was prepared, identifying, defining and registering the stone blocks that are shown in the 1:50 scale plans. In this database, a total of 768 blocks that are fragments of the statues or/and stelae was defined using a coding system, and all information concerning each block was transferred to this database

Once the drawings, photographs and all other information and descriptions about a stone block were completed, they were transferred to the MNT-ABDB and assigned with a code. In addition to this, all of the information and codes amassed and used by previous researchers were included in the database, making it possible for the future researchers to relate the entire course of the works carried out to date.

In the database, a seperate drawing of each stone block (1/10 scale) is given; if it is a part of a whole block (for example a piece forming the body of a statue) the drawing of the whole statue is given (1/20 scale).

All data in the ABDB is prepared suitable to transform to the Geographical Information System. Despite some incompleted data (for reasons as incomplete drawings because of the location of the blocks etc.), this database is aimed to be a basis for all future studies about Nemrut and will be deveoped further by time.

Mount Nemrut Tumulus Documentation Report:

In the documentation report, following the aim and scope of the project, the geographical location, general properties and the legal status of the site are explained. The second part comprises the archaeological and historical features of the Commagene Kingdom and the Mount Nemrut Tumulus. The third part provides an explanation of the detailed architectural properties of Mount Nemrut.

The fourth section of the report includes detailed studies of the properties and the deterioration procedures of the stones, the general properties of the stones are explained in relation to the construction techniques.

The fifth and last part of the Documentation Report comprises the results of the works carried out at site since 2006 aimed at determining the structural problems and their causes, the actual condition of the statues and their structural problems, as shown on the documentation drawings, and the dispersion of these problems at the site.

The blocks documented in ABDB in 1:10 or 1:20 scales

Number of the coded stones in ABDB

Dispersion of the coded blocks in the terraces according to their stone types in ABDB

Architectural blocks data base

An example of the plans in ABDB showing the location of the blocks in the site, West Terrace

All measured drawing plans in respect to the Tumulus and vicinity

West terrace measured drawing plan

Section AA

Section BB

Section CC

Section DD

Section FF

Details – Lion head

Details – Eagle head

Details – Antichos head

Details – Apollon-Mithras pedestal

Details – Eagle

Details – Lion pedestal

Details – Stele (KS02)

The reconstitution project is completed and submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in November 2010.

The reconstitution work comprises the following:

• Drawings showing the previous researchers worked at site and the previous interventions

• Reconstitution drawings in 1/50 scale showing the site and in 1/10 – 1/20 scales showing the statue blocks

• Reconstitution report

Various researchers have worked at the site during the hundred years since the discovery of the site. They have made documentation of the site, reconstitution studies and some physical interventions as well. METU-CNCDP Team has compiled all these previous works and researches to prepare the reconstitution of the site in order to define the original state.

After the discovery of the Mount Nemrut Tumulus in 1881 by Karl Sester, in 1882 the team of Otto Puchstein and Karl Sester came to the site and made the first documentation works. Afterwards, in spring 1883, Osman Hamdi bey and Osgan Efendi came to Nemrut and made drawings and some excavations. The same year, Otto Puchstein and Karl Humann made additional excavations and documentation works.

After a long period of interruption, American architect-archaeologist Theresa Goell and German epigraph K. F. Dörner came to the site in 1951, at first seperately from one another, and beginning in 1953, started to work in collaboration. Goell and Dörner worked together at site from 1953 to 1956 without interruption, and for one last time in 1958. The last survey of Theresa Goell was held in 1973.

The site surveys in Nemrut continued under the direction of F. K. Dörner. He conducted his works simultaneously in Arsameia and Nemrut. The first phase of restoration works in Nemrut started in summer 1983 and finished in May-September 1984.

Donald Sanders, who was charged to compile all the results of Goell’s site work during 20 years, produced a book which is the outcome of a hard and long-term project that is now a unique resource for anybody seeking to understand the site.

The Mount Nemrut studies, interrupted due to ill health of Dörner, have restarted in October 1987 under the direction of Sencer Şahin.

During Şahin’s period working at the site the main objectives were to locate the burial chamber and to learn the purpose of the site from the inscription. While carrying out these works, the problems of accessibility and protection of the area were defined and some solutions were developed in the form of environmental design proposals. The works of Şahin ended in 1995. Another important contribution of Şahin is the translation of the Nomos in Turkish.

Later on, in 2001 another team was constituted under the direction of Prof. Dr. Herman Brijder from Amsterdam University. The team realises some interventions aimed at restoration and presentation besides the documentation works.

METU-CNCDP Reconstitution Studies

The METU-CNCDP team has compiled all existing information, researches, interpretations, visual and written documents about the original status of the site and has made its own detailed inventory.

In addition to this, the METU-CNCDP team has produced an Architectural Blocks Database which includes the stone codes, dimensions, locations; measured drawings and photographs of all the describable stone blocks at the site. All of the stone blocks defined in this database are shown in their original positions on the reconstitution drawings.

Within the CNCDP reconstitution studies, all of the previous restoration and conservation interventions between 1881 and 2004 have been examined and the data is transformed into a digital drawing showing the locations and types of the interventions carried out by different researchers of the different periods.

The METU-CNCDP team has produced also the detailed reconstitution drawings of the site considering all of the information obtained to date.

The reconstitution studies revealed various architectural features which no longer exist or became invisible at the site. The two terraces located to the northeast and southwest of the Tumulus have similar features as the inscription (Nomos) carved at the back of the colossal statues, the two stele rows depicting the Macedonian and Persian ancestors of Antiochos and the incense altars situated in the front of each stele. At the East Terrace, in front of the collosal statue row, there are two podiums in different levels reached by two stairs at the both ends, whereas, at the West Terrace there is only one podium situated on a lower level compared to the East one. At the East Terrace some evidences have been found showing that a row of steles including the lion horoscope similar to the west terrace are found, however, today no traces of these can be observed. In both terraces there are altars in front of the colossal statue row. In addition to these altars there is another sacrifice altar at the East Terrace on the front corner of the stepped pyramid. Again at the East Terrace on the stepped pyramid, Goell found stone pieces proving that there has been an altar structure with a pedimented roof of which the evidences can not be observed at site today. The row of steles without any relief situated at the North Terrace which show different characteristics form the other terraces was another curiosity for the researchers. General opinion is that the steles at this terrace were never aimed to carry any relief and this terrace should have been designed for ritual purposes which are unknown at the present.

There are two ceremonial ways reaching to the terraces. The traces of the ones reaching the East and West Terraces can be observed partially today whereas

there are no evidences of the north one. Some traces have shown that there is an entrance to the north terrace with an opening in the middle of the stele row and some guardian animals defining this entrance. There are two reception steles on the two ceremonial ways reaching the other two terraces; one located approximately 280 m to the northeast of the east terrace and the other one 112 m to the southwest of the west terrace. The steles have inscriptions on one side, whereas there is no evidence of a relief on the other side. There are no traces of such a stele at the north terrace.

The restitution of the Mount Nemrut Tumulus prepared by the contribution of D. Sanders can also be seen at the web site: http://www.learningsites.com/Frame_layout01.htm .

No definite date can be assigned to the construction of the Mount Nemrut Tumulus monuments. The inscription (nomos) carved at the back of the colossal statues, which states the testament of Antiochos I. concerning his wishes about this monument and the ceremonies to be held at the monument, mentions the day and month of construction but not the year. According to the inscription Antiochos’ date of succession to the throne is “Loos 10”, and his birth date is “Audnaios 16” which correspond respectively to July and December/February. The lion horoscope located at the west terrace has a great importance as it shows a significant date related to the site. Different researchers have expressed different dates and different events shown on the Lion Horoscope; however this question continues to be a subjet of research.

The geophysical researches which started in Goell’s period and repeated during Şahin’s period in 1988-1989 using the latest technologies, have revealed noteworthy information about the Tumulus’ inner structure, however no research has succeeded in finding the burial chamber to date.

During Goell’s period, the excavations revealed that the Tumulus has a stepped inner structure constructed with rubble stones without mortar on the main rock; the form of this inner structure is defined by the help of geophysical surveys. Some hypotheses assert that the monument was never finished, thus there was no burial chamber underneath the tumulus; however there is no proof of this yet.

Mount Nemrut reconstitution, CNCDP, site plan

Mount Nemrut reconstitution, CNCDP, east terrace, plan

Mount Nemrut reconstitution, CNCDP, east terrace, section A-A

Mount Nemrut reconstitution, CNCDP, east terrace, section B-B

Mount Nemrut reconstitution, CNCDP, east terrace, section C-C

Mount Nemrut reconstitution, CNCDP, west terrace, plan

Mount Nemrut reconstitution, CNCDP, west terrace, section D-D

Mount Nemrut reconstitution, CNCDP, west terrace, section E-E

Mount Nemrut reconstitution, CNCDP, west terrace, section F-F

Mount Nemrut reconstitution, CNCDP, north terrace, plan

Mount Nemrut reconstitution, CNCDP, north terrace, section G-G

Previous interventions, legend

Previous interventions, east terrace

Previous interventions, north terrace

Previous interventions, west terrace

Lion horoscope researches

Mount Nemrut reconstitution, resource: http://www.learningsites.com/Frame_layout01.htm

Mount Nemrut Tumulus, general layout

The consolidation project includes the material consolidation, conservation and repair interventions. The projects and reports are submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in January 2011 and approved by the Şanlıurfa Regional Commision of Cultural and Natural Assets on 26 October 2011.

Aim:

The Mount Nemrut Tumulus Consolidation Project which aims to protect and sustain the values and eliminate the problems threatening this ‘World Heritage Site’, has adopted these main conservation principles: to preserve the original, maintain integrity, reversibility, minimum intervention and conservation insitu.

Scope:

Mount Nemrut Tumulus conservation project comprise the below mentioned documents:

• Mount Nemrut Tumulus Conservation project report. Includes the conservation approaches, principles, intervention criteria stated in consideration with all documents compiled during the studies.
• Mount Nemrut Tumulus conservation project (12 drawings in 1/5, 1/10, 1/20, 1/50, 1/200 and 1/500 scales)
• Mount Nemrut Tumulus, conservation project, architectural blocks deterioration and intervention study (59 drawings prepared for 408 stone blocks)
• Mount Nemrut Tumulus conservation project, intervention drawings (7 drawings in 1/500 and 1/50 scales)

Principles, Main Conservation Approach and Adopted Intervention Criteria

The main conservation approach in the MNT conservation project can be stated as value based minimum intervention; conservation of the assets in their location 1887 as adopted formerly by T. Goell and K.F. Dörner; making few partial completions which aim to help perception of the area correctly only if exist historical references.

The aim is to enhance the integrity of the area, its meaning together with its physical aspect, material, technical and contextual originality. Therefore completion, rebuilding and reconstruction activities are avoided as much as possible. To achieve this aim, all the documents since nineteenth century are studied and the interventions made under insufficient knowledge and interpretations during this period are decided to be removed to their original status using the most reliable resources obtained. For the few reconstructions aiming to maintain the visual integrity at site, the design is so that it will be in harmony with the old but distinctive from the original in the choice of material, details and in the interpretation.

The following principles are adopted for the interventions defined in the MNT conservation project:

• Should enable the local people to understand and value the cultural heritage;

• Should aim communicate the ‘meaning’ and the ‘importance’ of the area to the different target groups;
• Should provide the protection of the tangible and intangible values within their natural and social context;
• Should be sensitive to the original character of the area;
• Should contribute to the sustainability of the area;
• Should introduce an approach which includes the varied stakeholders and promotes participation;
• Should define principles that are sustainable, consistent with the social context and should keep technically and professionally a leading role in the technology and research.

Interventions

The interventions in all scales are defined as the following:

Interventions
The interventions in all scales are defined as the following:

1. All primarily aiming for minimal intervention, different approaches are adopted for each terrace which have different qualities and problems considering their original design, level of deterioration / destruction and presentation:
1. East terrace: In the east terrace, which is better conserved compared to the west one, at first the structural problems will be solved and the material conservation interventions will be applied on the stone blocks. The replaced stone head blocks will be moved back to their initial places before the 2003 intervention in order to preserve and sustain the image formed in minds of the public since more than a hundred years. In addition to these interventions concerning the assets, landscape elements and a wooden platform planned to serve the disabled will be constructed for the visitors.
2. West terrace: Urgent interventions of conservation to the stone blocks will be realized primarily. The present state of the terrace, the location of the statues and collapsed blocks will be conserved as they are. Only some lime mortar consolidation will be made under the statue blocks and on the natural rock base underneath the statues at the south section. The inscription at the back of the colossal statues will be opened to visit after constructing a protective barrier. The four Dexiosis steles which are located at this terrace and which constitute one of the most important features of Mount Nemrut Tumulus will be replaced by the replicas. The original steles which are today in the temporary restoration laboratory, will be cleaned, consolidated and removed to the Adiyaman Museum. The scattered stone blocks at the north end, the entrance to the west terrace from the processional way will be put in their original locations and the three headed lion statue will be set on these after completing the lacking parts only as a mass in an abstract way.
3. North terrace: After the application of the urgent conservation measures on the sandstone blocks, the stone heaps and the rests of the later constructions at the terrace will be removed in this way the platform indicating the entrance of the north terrace and the natural stone wall aligning the processional way will become apparent.
4. Sacred processional ways: The sacred processional ways reaching to the east and west terraces will be enhanced by constructing stone footsteps where the road tends to steepen. Stone blocks will be put all along the roads and sandstone replicas of the stele I and stele II on the east and west processional ways will be installed in their original locations in order to help perception of the road trail.
2. Visitors’ route: The visitors’ route designed within the Environmental Design Project previously is revised such that it will pass behind the statues at the west terrace allowing the visitors to see the Nomos and perceive the ancient quarry.
3. Although it is not considered as a threat today, during the sunrise and sunset hours the visitor numbers at one time in one terrace should be limited to a maximum of 450 people.
4. The special conditions of the area and the result of the surveys especially concerning the preservation of the stone material revealed that the conservation implementations should be handled not as a one time activity but an ongoing process which has to be monitored and developed continuously. In this framework:
1. The conservation process is defined as a series of actions listed under the title: Five Years Plan for the Conservation Implementations and Interventions in Mount Nemrut Tumulus.
2. The conservation process is seen as an opportunity for the publicity of the area; it will also help raising awareness and job creation. The training program and the specifications of the staff that will work in the site during the five years period of implementation / conservation are defined.
3. The monitoring activities which should be continuing during the conservation period are defined.
5. According to the above mentioned framework the intervention criteria for the conservation of Mount Nemrut Tumulus are:
1. All interventions will be in harmony with the original material and construction techniques. New details compatible with the original may be developped for some small interventions where the original techniques are insufficient. These interventions will be done using limestone and sandstone material and will be distinct from the original in the architectural details (like bosages or date carvings on the stone surfaces). All later interventions will be communicated to the visitors by the use of booklets and exhibitions.
2. The blocks which are under risk due to their location or some possible threats (like earthquake, snow load etc) may be displaced in the site.
3. All necessary safety precations should be taken during the interventions.
4. During the consolidation procedure it is essential to keep the site open to visit. All intervention works, site staff and physical activities will be planned accordingly. The site will continually be open to visit except during some interventions which may create risk for the visitors (like transportation of big stone blocks etc), in this case a short period of partial closure may be foreseen.

All consolidation interventions explained in general terms above are defined and planned under the main titles below:
1. Material conservation interventions
1.1. Interventions for limestones and sandstones
1.2. Main intervention principles for stone material
1.3. Intervention details considering limestone
1.4. Intervention details considering sandstone
2. Structural interventions
2.1. Base repair works
2.2. Consolidation and completions in Tumulus’ periphery wall and the other retaining walls
2.3. Consolidation and risk prevention interventions in architectural elements
3. Interventions according to architectural necessity
4. Interventions aimed for the presentation of the site
5. Monitoring and training activities
5.1. Stone consolidation research team training activities
5.2. Monitoring activities for consolidation (these are included within the Mount Nemrut Management Plan)
5.3. Stone maintenance, intervention, monitoring and training programs for monumental scale
6. Appendices
7. Tecnical specifications (6 items)
8. Static calculations report for conservation interventions

Site plan, 1/500

Site plan, 1/200

East terrace plan, 1/50

East terrace, section/elevation AA, 1/50

East terrace, section/elevation BB, 1/50

East terrace, section/elevation CC, 1/50

West terrace plan, 1/50

West terrace, section/elevation DD, 1/50

West terrace, section/elevation EE, 1/50

West terrace, section/elevation FF, 1/50

North terrace plan, 1/50

North terrace, section, 1/50

Legend for conservation projects

Details, 1/50, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5

Details, 1/50, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5

Details, 1/50, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5

Details, 1/50, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5

Details, 1/50, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5

Details, 1/50, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5

Details, 1/50, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5

Details, 1/50, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5

Intervention types and locations, plan

Intervention types and locations, east terrace, section AA

Intervention types and locations, east terrace, section BB

Intervention types and locations, west terrace, section CC

Intervention types and locations, west terrace, section DD

Intervention types and locations, west terrace, section EE

Intervention types and locations, north terrace, section FF

Intervention types and locations, north terrace, section GG

Intervention types and locations, east terrace, section HH