Analysis of Fire Risks in Historical Hans and Development of Risk-Reduction Measures: A Case Study of the Bursa Han District Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Buildings, vol.16, no.11, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 16 Issue: 11
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.3390/buildings16112240
- Journal Name: Buildings
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Applied Science & Technology Source, Avery, Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: fire in historical areas, fire risk, fire safety, risk analysis
- Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of this study is to identify fire risks in historical settlements, develop a method for assessing fire risks in buildings within conservation areas, and formulate risk-reducing measures. In this study, the fire risks of 11 historical hans located in the Hanlar district, which is listed o the UNESCO World Heritage List in Bursa, were tested using an eight-stage method. (2) Methods: The methodology of the study was developed in eight stages, including the analysis of historical fires in the Hanlar district of Bursa, the classification of potential fire risks in hans, examination of hans with regulations, identification and documentation of risks, determination of probability and severity values to calculate risk scores, identification of factors with high risk and implementation of risk-reducing measures, and reduction in the danger group by recalculating the risk score according to the new regulations. (3) Results: The fire risks of hans were evaluated in four main groups and 28 subgroups, including ignition, fire spread, evacuation, and fire intervention stages. (4) Conclusions: The protection of the buildings listed in the World Cultural Heritage List against disasters such as fires and earthquakes is important in terms of transferring historical identity and social and cultural values to future generations.