The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Architectural Heritage at Risk: Historical Churches of East Azerbaijan

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2026.567630.5960
Volume 23, 156 (Specified Issue of International Conference on “Architectural Heritage at Risk,”)
June 2026
Pages 55-66
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Samira Gharehayaghi
Farhad Akhoundi

Department of Strengthening Historical Monuments, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Iran

Abstract
Problem statement: Iran, with its valuable architectural heritage, is situated in one of the most seismically active regions of the world; therefore, special attention is required to ensure the protection of its historical buildings. East Azerbaijan Province, in the northwest of the country, with its prominent historical churches, represents a clear example of this necessity. Studies indicate that out of forty-nine identified churches in this province, only thirteen remain standing, while the majority have been damaged or destroyed due to natural and human-induced factors.
Research objective: This study aims to assess the safety and analyze the seismic vulnerability of eight selected historical churches in the province and to develop a prioritized list for their conservation.
Research method: The research adopts a comparative mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to ensure the accuracy of the results. Qualitative assessment was conducted on-site using Italian conservation guidelines, while quantitative evaluation was carried out using the 3Muri software to simulate the behavior of masonry walls.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the seismic safety index of the churches is less than one, demonstrating the vulnerability of these historical structures to seismic events and highlighting the urgent need for intervention and the implementation of appropriate conservation measures. A comparison of qualitative and quantitative assessment outputs revealed that the qualitative approach is more conservative than the quantitative method. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches in a comprehensive assessment process to guide sustainable conservation strategies for national architectural heritage.

Keywords

Church
Eastern Azerbaijan
Seismic Assessment
Italian Conservation Guidelines.
Subjects
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