GIS-based spatial multi-hazard vulnerability assessment of cultural heritage sites: the case of Antakya

OpenAlex İngilizce

Cultural heritage sites possess outstanding universal value, yet they remain fragile and highly vulnerable to both natural and anthropogenic hazards. These hazards pose significant risks to the sustainability of heritage, predominantly in developing countries. This study offers a comprehensive assessment framework by integrating multi-hazard risk analysis of cultural heritage sites with remote sensing techniques and geographic information systems (GIS). Antakya, a city with a multi-layered cultural heritage molded by numerous civilizations, suffered severe damage to its heritage assets following the 6 February 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquake. Against this backdrop, the present research analyzes cultural heritage areas and assets in Antakya in relation to multiple hazards, with the aim of identifying vulnerable sites. Seven hazards were considered: erosion, landslides, earthquakes, floods, fires, urban sprawl, and modern road networks. These hazards were mapped in a GIS environment using remote sensing methods, satellite imagery, and diverse datasets. Hazard weights were determined through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), enabling the creation of risk maps. The findings reveal that 75.85% of the 141 cultural heritage sites and 89.38% of the 979 cultural heritage assets in Antakya are at high or very high risk. These findings highlight the critical need for a comprehensive risk management plan to protect cultural heritage and strengthen resilience in Antakya.