Strengthening and Restoration of Historical Structures - Mirahor Ilyas Beg Mosque in Korca

Abstract

The Mirahor Ilyas Beg Mosque, built in 1496 in Korca, is one of a few Ottoman mosques still existing in Albania and the only Ottoman monument in the city. The mosque was built using cut stone and brick. It has a strong image; a cubic mass rising over a square plan. Inside there are found pictures of the mosque in the past and different famous mosques. During its existence, it was damaged from many earthquakes occurring at this area. Due to amortization, the mosque's structural properties were weakened and architectural values were dimmed. Proper strengthening methods need to be applied, not only to improve structural conditions, but also to preserve architectural features of the mosque. In this paper assessment of existing conditions of the structure is carried out. Based on the obtained results, solutions for the structural problems are investigated. As for restoration, repair methods to be applied were examined taking into consideration at what extent the historical values of the building will be preserved. The proposed strengthening methods are the ones which would affect the least the mosque's historical values.