Bursa Technical University has launched a project to protect İznik's historical fabric against earthquakes. This European-supported initiative will introduce a new model for disaster risk management using digital technologies. The earthquake-resistant project will also encompass historic sites in Italy and Valencia.

In line with its vision of being a "university integrated with the city and society," Bursa Technical University (BTÜ) has initiated an important project aimed at safeguarding İznik's historical identity from disasters. The "SCURE – Strengthening Communities for Urban Resilience and Participation" project, which has qualified for support from the KA220-Adult Education Erasmus+ program, will develop a digital-based model to address earthquake and natural disaster risks in historic city centers across Europe, starting with İznik. The project emerged from a Project Idea Development Workshop conducted by BTÜ academics in collaboration with İznik Municipality, targeting the reinforcement of historical areas against earthquake risks.

Digital solutions will be provided

Within the scope of SCURE, a GIS (Geographic Information Systems)-based disaster management model, a multilingual digital platform and mobile application, risk maps, and educational materials will be implemented. This will enhance local communities' disaster preparedness capacity while introducing a new method for the sustainable preservation of historic cities.

Resilience in Italy and Valencia will also be enhanced

The project, which includes stakeholders such as Berlin Technical University, İznik Municipality, the Valencia Municipal Association, and the LARES Institute from Italy, is being led by Sakarya University. The project aims to increase the resilience of historic city centers in İznik, Italy, and Valencia against disasters and will span 24 months.

Project team

The project, coordinated by the Bursa Technical University Project Support Office, includes Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Demir from the Department of Architecture, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ebru Kamacı Karahan from the Department of City and Regional Planning, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Merve Ersoy from the Department of Landscape Architecture, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinem Tapkı from the Department of Architecture, and Coordinator Dr. Oya Güler and Instructor Dr. Yasemin Sarıcaoğlu from the Project Support Office.

Rector Çağlar: "The project emerged from collective intelligence and gained European support."

BTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar stated that the SCURE project is not only a research initiative but also a reflection of Bursa Technical University's vision. He remarked, "We always position ourselves as a university integrated with the city and society. With this understanding, we organize 'Project Idea Development Workshops' in collaboration with municipalities in various districts of Bursa. In these workshops, our academics come together with representatives of local governments to generate collective intelligence. A similar process occurred during our meeting in İznik, leading to the idea of protecting historic city centers against seismic risks. This idea matured with the scientific expertise of our university and the contributions of İznik Municipality, qualifying for Erasmus+ support. This work is a valuable step both scientifically and socially for the digital protection of historic city centers against earthquakes, especially in İznik. I congratulate the project team."