Vulnerability of existing Buildings in old urban zones of Prishtina, Reasoning of Historical Preservation of area

Abstract

Kosovo is situated in the Alpine-Mediterranean seismic belt comprising the zone of contact between the lithosphere plates of Africa and Eurasia, which extends from the Islands of the Azores to the eastern border of the Mediterranean basin. Its most active part is the Aegean Sea and the surrounding area. In this region (33043'00"N, 18030'00"E), characterized by almost annual occurrences of at least one earthquake of M≥6.5, are located Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, FYR Macedonia, southern Bulgaria and western Turkey. Using wisely the environmental and topographical advantages (potentials), the old city of Prishtina us a capital of Kosova are made between the two hills. The main compactness structure of city is urban shape of city, narrow road network, the structure of existing building constructed with native construction materials (timber, stone and clay). In 1807 in Prishtina, main characteristic constructed was fortified fence connected with six feet deep trench. Under the terms of author, Ani BUE (1830), the majority of homes was only ground floors, narrow macadam roads with sidewalks of 45cm length. From larger - toolset facilities mentioned "Tower watch" and 12 mosques, some of which exist today, us are; great Mosque, Jashar Pasha Mosque, etc. Kosovo is exposed to a range of natural hazards. The main threats are earthquakes. Based on evidence from past earthquakes, the territory of Kosovo is considered to be active from a seismic point of view. The 475 year returned period Seismic Hazard Map of Kosovo now serves as the basis for a micro-zonation study being conducted in Ulpiana (Prishtine neighbourhood). The main problem in Kosovo is the fact that 80-90% of buildings are not built according to the seismic codes. Assessment Vulnerability of existing old urban zones (with constructed buildings us an seismic) in close to the centre of the city, will provide significant development in downtown areas, taking into account the vulnerability of many historic and cultural buildings.