Experts participating in the study prepared risk analysis tables where each building was numerically evaluated in terms of its priority as a cultural asset and the risks it faces. The structures with accelerating and extensive deteriorations were identified in order to prioritise the ones that face the highest risk.

The assessment system used in this study was developed using Herb Stovel’s report titled Risk Preparedness: A Management Manual for World Cultural Heritage (ICCROM Rome 1998). Each structure was evaluated in terms of “vulnerability” and “significance” criteria: “vulnerability” includes various risks (structural strength, difficulty of access, earthquake, erosion due to wind and rain, soil strength, flooding, and vandalism), while “significance” includes the building’s importance as a cultural asset (originality, interiors, exteriors, degree to which its integrity is preserved).

The deteriorations in the examined buildings vary in terms of the extent and severity of damage as well as the potential to lead to more deteriorations in the future. All of the risks that endanger the buildings were categorised in order to identify the structures that are threatened the most by the degree and extent of deteriorations.

We believe that the systematic documentation of each building as well as the comparative tables of vulnerability and significance will benefit the prioritisation of cultural assets during the decision-making processes regarding the allocation of resources for conservation and repairs. Click here to access the Risk Assessment Matrix.