Characterizing the Indoor Acoustical Climate of the Religious and Secular Rock-Cut Structures of Cappadocia

Rock-cut structures in Cappadocia, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exhibit unique acoustic properties due to the region's specific tuff stone. A recent study identified that a rock-cut church in Cappadocia is the most reverberant space among five selected sites (one church and four residential halls), making it highly suitable for liturgical practices. The remaining spaces were found to be more favorable for speech-related activities, such as conversations or lectures. The research employed in-situ field tests to measure acoustic parameters like EDT, T20, T30, C80, CD50, and STI, providing quantitative evidence of the spatial features and cultural significance of these ancient structures. Additionally, the study compared the sound absorption performance of Cappadocian tuff stone with other natural caves and rock-cut structures worldwide, offering insights into its acoustic behavior relative to global counterparts.

Adeeb, A. H., Sü-Gül, Z., & Henry, A. B. (2021). Characterizing the Indoor Acoustical Climate of the Religious and Secular Rock-Cut Structures of Cappadocia. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 17(7), 1093–1114. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2021.2015640