GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTION AT THE HAMZA BEY (ALKAZAR) MONUMENT THESSALONIKI, GREECE

Abstract

A two-phase geophysical survey is presented, whose aim was to investigate parts of the Ottoman Hamza Bey mosque located at Thessaloniki, Greece. Along with ground penetrating radar (GPR), which is a fully non-destructive method, a number of electrical resistivity tomographies (ERTs) were carried out. Bentonite mud electrodes were used instead of metal stakes, in order to comply with the non-destructive character of the whole operation. Our aim was to study the subsurface geological structures at the location of the mosque, and to detect and possibly map any ancient remains concealed under the monument. Both ERT and GPR results indicated a distinct, near surface horizontal discontinuity which was attributed to the presence of an ancient floor at the atrium area of the mosque. This floor was then revealed after a subsequent excavation. Moreover, high resistivity anomalies and distinct GPR signals were observed deeper at the atrium area. They are attributed to possible voids, remains of ancient walls, or other man-made structures concealed under the floor of the monument.