NEWS

The NEV Heritage I: Approaches to Cultural Heritage from Education to Practice event, organized by Istanbul Nişantaşı University, commenced with an opening speech by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Yeşim Özer Yürür. Highlighting the importance of cultural heritage for the identity and future of societies, Prof. Dr. Özer Yürür emphasized that preserving this heritage is not only an academic subject but also a social responsibility.

Experts’ Recommendations for Preserving Cultural Heritage

• Huriye Merve Gedik: Architect and Cultural Assets Project Specialist Gedik emphasized that projects carried out under İBB Heritage aim to integrate Istanbul's architectural heritage into urban life.
• Prof. Dr. Demet Ulusoy Binan: Head of the Restoration Department at MSGSÜ’s Architecture Department, Prof. Dr. Binan underlined the role of universities in preserving cultural heritage, noting that 4,500 cultural assets have been archived, and field studies have been conducted so far.
• Prof. Dr. Aynur Çiftci: Member of YTU’s Architecture Department Conservation and Restoration Research Group, Prof. Dr. Çiftci highlighted the sustainability benefits of transferring cultural heritage through the master-apprentice relationship.

Case Studies and Projects

• Seden Savaş: Architect and Project Manager at Gürsoy Holding, shared insights about the restoration of the Mekteb-i Tıbbiye-i Şahane building, a distinguished example of Ottoman Neoclassical architecture, restored to its original form.
• Dr. Ayşe Ege Yıldırım: Discussed Mudurnu district as a compatible example of UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention sustainable development goals.
• Dr. Emine Nurcan Yalman: Addressed the perception of heritage in Kapalıçarşı and Sultanahmet, warning about the risks of oversimplifying cultural heritage due to economicaly focused approaches.

Cultural Heritage and Technology

Melis Dünya Sezer Türker, Creative Director at Fi Product, discussed the role of VR technology in promoting and preserving cultural heritage. Türker explained how sites like Göbeklitepe and Pompeii can now be digitaly experienced through VR, emphasizing the opportunities this technology offers for education and digital archiving.

Traditional Cultural Values

• Sam Çeviköz: Coffee connoisseur highlighted Turkish coffee as a significant part of cultural heritage and a pioneer in global coffee culture.
• Hümeyra Demir: Emphasized food as a tangible cultural heritage element that expresses identity and belonging, pointing out the importance of traditional delicacies like aşure, Turkish coffee, and baklava.

Disaster Risks and Conservation Efforts

Mimari Restoration Program Director Dr. Dilruba Gökçe Ateş stressed the importance of risk mapping and effective use of geographical data to protect cultural heritage against disasters.

The NEV Heritage I event provided a platform for experts to share knowledge and experiences on preserving, promoting, and passing on cultural heritage to future generations. It focused on transformative practices to ensure the sustainability of cultural heritage while inspiring participants with innovative ideas.