Member of Parliament Ahmet Erbaş: ‘The most appropriate result will be obtained at the China Mosque through academic studies’

MHP Kütahya Deputy Ahmet Erbaş, who spoke about the process related to the Çinili Mosque, one of the historical symbols of Kütahya, stated that the most appropriate result in the Çinili Mosque will be achieved through academic studies. Emphasizing the importance of respecting science at all times in his statement, Deputy Ahmet Erbaş said, ‘The most logical solution regarding the Çinili Mosque will emerge through academic studies. The results reached after the transfer of the Aizanoi excavation works to Dumlupınar University are clear. Therefore, I have full confidence that the valuable staff of Dumlupınar University will achieve the best results in the studies on the Çinili Mosque.’ He added.
‘We will always follow the studies on the Çinili Mosque.’ Interior Affairs Commission Deputy Chairman and MHP Kütahya Deputy Ahmet Erbaş, who stated that he always follows the studies on the Çinili Mosque, said, ‘I constantly receive information about the ongoing studies from our Rector of Dumlupınar University, Prof. Dr. Süleyman Kızıltoprak. There are also studies by different universities on the Çinili Mosque. In July 2019, a report was prepared by experts from Gazi University for foundation strengthening and slope reinforcement. The report included ground measurement results in tabular form and suggested the installation of 40 piles for foundation strengthening and additionally the construction of a retaining wall. Since the carrying values in this report are at the limit, the minaret reinforcement with mini-pile system was excluded from evaluation. In August 2019, a report consisting of 9 pages prepared by Eskişehir Osmangazi University suggested that the mosque and minaret should be demolished and rebuilt when considering building settlement values, wind loads, and other factors. In September 2020, a 23-page report prepared by Middle East Technical University suggested that the dome should remain the same for the external silhouette of the building, but damaged areas should be repaired. It was recommended to construct a sandwich wall for the foundation walls of the mosque and strengthen the interior parts using polymer fiber or steel materials. Additionally, if the construction of the minaret is not possible due to manufacturing impossibility and cost, the controlled demolition of the minaret and foundation and reconstruction on piled foundation is suggested, and urgent implementation of pile system for slope stability is recommended. In June 2023, a report prepared by Gebze Technical University, comprising a total of 35 pages, indicated that due to the ground problems of the building, it is shifting from its axis, there are shear cracks in columns and beams in the basement part of the building, some materials used have completed their service life, the ground on which the mosque is located is problematic, and the seismicity of the region is emphasized.’ He said.
Erbaş said, ‘The analysis and reporting regarding the mosque are ongoing. In the report, a total of 4 scenarios were evaluated as alternatives for strengthening the building and ground, and it was stated that ‘As a result of the examination and evaluation studies, it was seen that all four scenarios are not applicable. The poor condition of the building and ground and the abundance of potential risks make it difficult to carry out strengthening works safely.’ In the conclusion section of the relevant report, it is stated that the reconstruction of the building is mandatory. By combining all scientific studies, the Çinili Mosque, built by the world-famous Painter and Neyzen artist Ahmet Yakupoğlu in 1973, will return to its old days.’