Topaloğlu, ElifÖztürk, MuratUstaömer, DeryaYalçın, Mesut2026-07-012026-07-0120252636-8625https://doi.org/10.33725/mamad.1759709https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12684/23083In this study, the wood specie, biological degradation, and hygroscopic properties of waste old wooden ceiling elements from the historic Demirtaş-Derecik-Karaman Central Mosque in the Akçaabat district of Trabzon province were investigated. Two sample groups were created: old (original) and new (control) samples. Microscopic analyses determined that the old wooden ceiling elements belonged to the species Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis L.). The insect species that caused damage to the sapwood of the old samples was identified as Anobium punctatum, and the characteristics of the adult insects were determined. The swelling rates of the old and new wooden ceiling samples in the tangential, radial, and longitudinal directions were determined according to relevant standards, and the swelling rates of the old wooden ceiling samples in these three directions were found to be lower than those of the new samples. During a two-week water immersion period to understand hygroscopic behaviour, the hygroscopic behaviour of the old and new samples was generally observed to be similar. The results of the study emphasize the importance of correctly determining the wood specie to be used and taking into account the hygroscopic behaviour of the material in terms of conserving historical buildings. © 2025, Bekir Cihad Bal. All rights reserved.tr10.33725/mamad.1759709info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccesshygroscopic behaviourinsect damagewood anatomyWooden ceilingArticle822812942-s2.0-105026792556Q41759709