Marmara Marble: Geological, Cultural, and Technical Perspectives on a Global Heritage Stone

Marmara Marble is a versatile natural stone renowned for its aesthetic appeal, structural resilience, and enduring architectural application and cultural significance over centuries. Originating from ancient Proconnesos, this stone has achieved the status of a universal heritage material, as evidenced by its incorporation in monuments such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and the Blue Mosque, all recognized within the UNESCO World Heritage framework. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of Marmara Marble in the context of the Global Heritage Stone Resource (GHSR) designation. Geological and petrographic analyses are integrated with experimental data on its physical and mechanical properties. These findings are interpreted in conjunction with its historical continuity in architectural use and the legacy of both ancient and modern quarries. The preservation of its aesthetic and structural characteristics over time, along with its current sustainability potential, positions Marmara Marble as a scientifically and culturally significant candidate for GHSR recognition. This article contributes to the documentation and interdisciplinary interpretation of natural stone heritage, providing a scholarly basis for the global recognition of a geologically local resource.