NEV Heritage I: Approaches to Cultural Heritage from Education to Practice
NEV Heritage I explored cultural heritage preservation through education and practice, sharing projects on restoration, traditions, VR technology, and disaster risks.
The “NEV Heritage I: Approaches to Cultural Heritage from Education to Practice” event, organised by İstanbul Nişantaşı University Vocational School, began with an opening address by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Yeşim Özer Yürür. She emphasised the importance of cultural heritage for societies’ identities and futures, underlining that its preservation is both an academic subject and a social responsibility.
Recommendations for Preserving Cultural Heritage: Master Architect and Cultural Assets Projects Specialist Huriye Merve Gedik explained that projects undertaken by İBB Miras aim to integrate İstanbul’s architectural heritage into urban life. Prof. Dr. Demet Ulusoy Binan, Head of the Restoration Division in the Architecture Department at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, discussed universities’ role in preserving cultural heritage. Prof. Dr. Aynur Çiftci, a member of the Conservation and Restoration Research Group in the Architecture Department at Yıldız Technical University, explained how transmitting cultural heritage through the apprentice–master relationship contributes to sustainability. Dr. Ferzan Durul, Applied History Coordinator at Yeditepe University, and her team presented their “Tracing Anatolia’s Cultural Heritage” projects.
Case Studies and Projects: Master Architect Seden Savaş, Project Manager at Gürsoy Holding, discussed the faithful restoration of the Mekteb-i Tıbbiye-i Şahane building, an outstanding example of Ottoman Neoclassical architecture. Dr. Ayşe Ege Yıldırım highlighted Mudurnu as an example aligned with sustainable development goals under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Dr. Emine Nurcan Yalman drew attention to perceptions of heritage in the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet.
Cultural Heritage and Technology: Armada Hotel Chairman Kasım Zoto presented “İstanbul’s Living Heritage: Ahırkapı Hıdırellez Festivities.” Art Specialist S. Rahmi Eyüboğlu shared examples of paintings, poetry and mosaics belonging to the Eyüboğlu family under “Heritage That Leaves a Mark: The Eyüboğlu Family.” Fi Production Creative Director Melis Dünya Sezer Türker explained the role of VR technology in promoting and preserving cultural heritage.
Traditional Cultural Values: Sam Çeviköz emphasised that Turkish coffee is an important part of our cultural heritage and has pioneered global coffee culture. Hümeyra Demir highlighted food as a cultural heritage element expressing identity and belonging, drawing attention to the importance of flavours such as aşure, Turkish coffee and baklava.
Disaster Risks and Conservation Efforts: Lecturer Dilruba Gökçe Ateş, Head of the Architectural Restoration Programme, emphasised the importance of risk mapping and effective use of geographical data to protect cultural heritage against disasters.
