Tracing the Origins: Byzantine Lime Mortars from Anaia and St. Jean Churches (Western Türkiye) and Provenances of Natural Stone Aggregates

• DOI: 10.1007/s12371-025-01086-5
• Publication Date: 2025-03-22T15:42:20Z
• Authors: Tuğçe Aydınalp; Taygun Uzelli; Elif Uğurlu Sağın

Abstract The aim of this study is to determine the provenances of natural stone aggregates of the lime mortars from the St. Jean and Anaia Churches, which represent two of the most significant Byzantine buildings in Western Türkiye. With this aim, the characterization study was conducted to define the physical properties and raw material compositions of lime mortars; hydraulic properties of the binders; mineralogical and chemical compositions, microstructural properties of lime, binders and aggregates; geochemical characteristics and pozzolanic activities of aggregates. The analyses were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, field observations and analytical studies were paired with the characterization results to determine the possible provenances. Analytical studies demonstrated that natural stone aggregates exhibited highly pozzolanic properties, which imparted hydraulicity to lime mortars. The macrostructure of the natural stone aggregates exhibited angular characteristics and a diverse lithological composition derived from the older brecciated clastics of the Menderes Massif. The fine-grained volcanic matrix of the aggregates was predominantly dacitic or rhyolitic in character, possibly derived from a breccia matrix composed of volcaniclastic materials. The findings suggested that the provenance of the natural stone aggregates were the breccia accumulation regions around Ayasuluk (Selçuk) for the St. Jean Church and Söke-Germencik for the Anaia Church. The deliberate selection of natural stone sources to produce hydraulic lime mortars shows a conscious relationship with the surrounding geology during the Byzantine period.