Timber-framed masonry structures are known as an effective earthquake load resisting system in high seismicity regions such as Bursa, Turkey. Intense earthquakes have occurred throughout history; however, many of the traditional timber structures have been able to survive without significant damage until the present day. In this study, six historic two-storied timber-framed masonry structures dating from the nineteenth century in Bursa City are investigated by using laboratory and in situ structural health monitoring tests. Although the houses have the same construction techniques, different masonry infill materials are used inside the timber frames. Stone, adobe, and brick are used as infill materials. Mud and lime mortars are used as binding materials. Mud mortar is used with stone and adobe materials. Lime mortar is used with brick material. The physical, mechanical, and dynamic parameters such as density, specific gravity, porosity, elastic modulus, frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios of the studied structures were investigated and the results were comparatively discussed. It is understood that the use of different infill materials affects the dynamic behaviors of these structures.

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Sakarya City, as the host of many civilizations, has many historic monuments. The city is in the most active earthquake zone in the region. The minarets of mosques are the most important structures because they are slender. Therefore, they are sensitive to lateral loads, and earthquakes and strong winds may cause damage to these structures. The highest number of mosque minarets partly or totally collapsed in the 1999 Kocaeli and Düzce earthquakes that occurred in Turkey. The region is rich in trees, so timber has been used in the construction of different structures in Sakarya City and the vicinity for many years. In this study, five historic timber minarets in Sakarya City were experimentally and computationally examined to determine the effects of the construction techniques and geometrical properties on the dynamic behavior of the minarets. Ambient vibration tests of timber minarets were performed, and the construction techniques and geometrical features were examined; the results of these are discussed below. It was determined that the outer wall construction technique, body height, slenderness, and cross-sectional area play important roles in the dynamic behavior of timber minarets. Finally, an empirical formula was derived from the relationships for rapid estimation of the fundamental period of timber minarets.

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