Thermal comfort analysis of historical mosques. Case study: The Ulu mosque, Manisa, Turkey

Mosques are sanctuary places for Muslims where they can perform their religious activities and also communicate with each other. On the other hand, historical mosques may contain artworks which have cultural heritage values. These originally not any Heating, Ventilating Air-Conditioning systems. For this reason, obtaining thermal comfort becomes a significant issue. In study, systematic approach on monitoring evaluating of were developed. As case The Ulu Mosque, Manisa/Turkey was monitored from 2015 to 2018, evaluation mosque conducted during prayer times based method provided by ISO 7730. A dynamic Building Energy Performance Software, DesignBuilder, used model mosque, calibrated using hourly indoor temperature data. then evaluate existing conditions develop retrofitting scenarios in order increase prayers. Thirteen different proposed improve prayers worship periods. results evaluated according EN 16883 conservation mosque. Electrical radiator heating intermittent operating schedules obtained as best scenario protect via artworks, while decreasing disssatisfaction level 45% 10% winter months. Additionally, operation saved 46.9% energy compared continuous schedule.