Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Mimar.ist, cilt.1, sa.70, ss.14-26, 2021 (Hakemsiz Dergi)
Located within the borders of modern town of Kadirli (Osmaniye), and established over the remains of a Neo-Hittite castle dating back to 8th century BC, Karatepe-Aslantaş Open-Air Museum does not only house some key aspects for the archaeology of the whole region, but also has a unique place in the history of conservation of Turkey. Preserved on-site and within their original landscape, the archaeological remains can be appreciated through an unmediated presentation setting today, allowing visitors to have a more direct and thorough perception of the site, together with a memorable imagery left in their minds. These images, although giving an impression as if they were frozen in a specific moment in history, are actually products of a 60-year long struggle of preservation that started in 1950s. Within this struggle, that cannot be though separately from Prof. Dr. Halet Çambel’s heroic personality, one might find several pioneering and inspirational implementations, for both national and international conservation practices.Therefore, this paper aims to reveal the main parameters that directed the course of this long project, by embodying its importance in terms of both conservation practice and Turkey’s history of conservation. Within this perspective, the theoretical background founded in 1950s is the focal point, and major conservation implementations are summarised. Herein, the collaboration established with Istituto Centrale del Restauro (in Rome), one of the leading institutions of the period undoubtedly needs a deeper explanation. All of these topics are presented chronologically and explained in the light of new findings acquired within the scope of a recent master thesis.