A Diversified Approach to At-Risk Earthen Architecture Conservation: Implementing Monitoring and Spatial Analysis at Çatalhöyük

Earthen architecture sites in the Middle East and globally present complex challenges for conservators due to their fragile composition. After excavation, ‘the exposure of mudbricks to temperature fluctuations and the environment fosters diverse pathologies at the macro- and micro-scale levels, that often cause a risk of the loss of ancient structures and entire earthen sites. These conservation issues require near-constant monitoring, based on sustained data-collection and analysis that involve enormous effort in time, expertise and funding. Therefore, we argue that to protect and preserve earthen sites, conservators need to identify the problem before the effects of water damage become apparent, by collecting and analyzing multi-layered qualitative and quantitative data to plan future interventions. Similar integrative approaches have promoted innovative solutions in archaeology and cultural heritage studies that focus on developing digital workflows and dedicated computer platforms.