Research Article

Archaeometric Analysis of Stone Deterioration in Ankara Castle from a Conservation Perspective

Volume: 39 Number: 1 February 18, 2026
EN

Archaeometric Analysis of Stone Deterioration in Ankara Castle from a Conservation Perspective

Abstract

The subject of the study is the characterization and examination of stone materials used in the walls of Ankara Castle, determination of their physical, chemical and petrographic properties, documentation of existing deterioration types and investigation of deteriorations by archaeometric methods. Therefore, in this study, information was obtained about the current preservation and deterioration status of the stones by visual examination and documentation and samples were taken for archaeometric analysis. With petrographic analyses, samples were determined as andesite (andesite, quartz andesite, andesitic volcanic breccia), limestone (sparitic, biosparitic biomicritic and meta limestone) and marble stones according to rock types. With the analyses, it was determined that there were deteriorations such as iron hydroxide and opacification seen in andesites depending on the mineralogy of the stone. Physical tests (unit volume weight, water absorption capacity and porosity), total salt presence and types Nitrate (NO3-), Chlorine (Cl-), Sulfate (SO42-), Carbonate (CO32-) were determined. The stones was examined through SEM analysis for micro-scale images that showed flaking and efflorescence-type deteriorations at the macro level. The presence of high levels of sulfur (S) was revealed by EDX analysis at the locations where these deteriorations took place. The elemental composition of the stones was determined by XRF analysis. The data obtained will enable the methodological examination of the deteriorations observed in the walls of Ankara Castle from an archaeometric perspective, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in conservation science and archaeometry and providing a scientific reference for future conservation and restoration practices.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This study was supported by Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University Rectorate Scientific Research Projects Unit (Project number: FDK-2023-39).

Project Number

Project number: FDK-2023-39

Thanks

We would like to thank the Ankara University YEBİM staff and Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University MAKLAB Laboratory group for analyses of the stone materials. I would like to express my gratitude to the Department of Cultural and Natural Heritage of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality and its staff for their contributions to our research.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Architectural Heritage and Conservation

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

February 18, 2026

Publication Date

February 18, 2026

Submission Date

April 25, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 20, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 39 Number: 1

APA
Sansar, A., & Akyol, A. A. (2026). Archaeometric Analysis of Stone Deterioration in Ankara Castle from a Conservation Perspective. Gazi University Journal of Science, 39(1), 233-253. https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1684272
AMA
1.Sansar A, Akyol AA. Archaeometric Analysis of Stone Deterioration in Ankara Castle from a Conservation Perspective. Gazi University Journal of Science. 2026;39(1):233-253. doi:10.35378/gujs.1684272
Chicago
Sansar, Ahmet, and Ali Akın Akyol. 2026. “Archaeometric Analysis of Stone Deterioration in Ankara Castle from a Conservation Perspective”. Gazi University Journal of Science 39 (1): 233-53. https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1684272.
EndNote
Sansar A, Akyol AA (March 1, 2026) Archaeometric Analysis of Stone Deterioration in Ankara Castle from a Conservation Perspective. Gazi University Journal of Science 39 1 233–253.
IEEE
[1]A. Sansar and A. A. Akyol, “Archaeometric Analysis of Stone Deterioration in Ankara Castle from a Conservation Perspective”, Gazi University Journal of Science, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 233–253, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.35378/gujs.1684272.
ISNAD
Sansar, Ahmet - Akyol, Ali Akın. “Archaeometric Analysis of Stone Deterioration in Ankara Castle from a Conservation Perspective”. Gazi University Journal of Science 39/1 (March 1, 2026): 233-253. https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1684272.
JAMA
1.Sansar A, Akyol AA. Archaeometric Analysis of Stone Deterioration in Ankara Castle from a Conservation Perspective. Gazi University Journal of Science. 2026;39:233–253.
MLA
Sansar, Ahmet, and Ali Akın Akyol. “Archaeometric Analysis of Stone Deterioration in Ankara Castle from a Conservation Perspective”. Gazi University Journal of Science, vol. 39, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 233-5, doi:10.35378/gujs.1684272.
Vancouver
1.Ahmet Sansar, Ali Akın Akyol. Archaeometric Analysis of Stone Deterioration in Ankara Castle from a Conservation Perspective. Gazi University Journal of Science. 2026 Mar. 1;39(1):233-5. doi:10.35378/gujs.1684272