Sustainability of an architectural heritage site in Turkey: Fire risk assessment in Misi Village

Abstract

Among the various risk factors that jeopardize the sustainability of architectural heritage sites in Turkey, fire hazard is the factor that can cause the most destructive effects. Once fire breaks out and spreads, destruction of the whole site, traditional housing, and the life inside is inevitable. This study is based on a case study of fire risk assessment of a traditional settlement. The study site is a significant district in Bursa in terms of its historic, architectural and environmental resources. The Misi Village is located on the skirts of the Mountain Uluda with a traditional urban pattern. Based on its location in a dense forestry land exposed to wind from the north and northeast directions, the breakout and spread of fire is possible in any time throughout the year. This research aims to raise awareness among local authorities, the local community, and researchers of the urgency of implementing fire prevention strategies in architectural heritage sites to prevent the destruction of the traditional urban pattern, to enable the transfer of these cultural heritages to future generations undestroyed, and to provide a secure place for the actual inhabitants and visitors.