<p>The Lycian region, located within the modern Teke Peninsula of southwestern Anatolia, is one of the most tectonically active areas in the eastern Mediterranean. A considerable number of ancient cities in the region have sustained significant damage due to seismic activity and tsunamis generated by large-scale faults on both onshore and offshore settings. Earthquakes that affected southwestern Anatolia between AD 23 and 601, despite their considerable magnitudes, generally had a limited impact, typically affecting only a few ancient cities. In contrast, the AD 142 earthquake caused widespread destruction across more than 30 ancient cities. One of the most notable seismic events in the region occurred on 3 May 1481 and was accompanied by a tsunami that affected both Rhodes and southwestern Anatolia. Based on a synthesis of historical records and recent scientific studies, it is suggested that the tsunami generated by the 1481 earthquake may have contributed to the destruction of the Patara lighthouse. The aim of this study is to evaluate the broader impact of earthquakes and tsunamis on the ancient cities of southwestern Anatolia, with a particular focus on Patara. This assessment integrates archaeological evidence, historical accounts, and contemporary geological data to better constrain the extent of damage to urban infrastructure and its long-term implications for urban development. The results highlight the geoheritage value of the Patara Lighthouse as a rare example of cultural heritage impacted by both earthquakes and tsunamis in the eastern Mediterranean.</p>

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Historical Earthquake Effects in the Southwestern Anatolia: A Case Study of the Patara Lighthouse

  • İrem Elitez,
  • Cenk Yaltırak,
  • Havva İşkan

摘要

The Lycian region, located within the modern Teke Peninsula of southwestern Anatolia, is one of the most tectonically active areas in the eastern Mediterranean. A considerable number of ancient cities in the region have sustained significant damage due to seismic activity and tsunamis generated by large-scale faults on both onshore and offshore settings. Earthquakes that affected southwestern Anatolia between AD 23 and 601, despite their considerable magnitudes, generally had a limited impact, typically affecting only a few ancient cities. In contrast, the AD 142 earthquake caused widespread destruction across more than 30 ancient cities. One of the most notable seismic events in the region occurred on 3 May 1481 and was accompanied by a tsunami that affected both Rhodes and southwestern Anatolia. Based on a synthesis of historical records and recent scientific studies, it is suggested that the tsunami generated by the 1481 earthquake may have contributed to the destruction of the Patara lighthouse. The aim of this study is to evaluate the broader impact of earthquakes and tsunamis on the ancient cities of southwestern Anatolia, with a particular focus on Patara. This assessment integrates archaeological evidence, historical accounts, and contemporary geological data to better constrain the extent of damage to urban infrastructure and its long-term implications for urban development. The results highlight the geoheritage value of the Patara Lighthouse as a rare example of cultural heritage impacted by both earthquakes and tsunamis in the eastern Mediterranean.