ARTIFACT CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Program Objectives:

The Artifact Conservation Program aims to develop students' theoretical knowledge and practical skills in traditional decorative arts, archaeological documentation, restoration, and conservation through a holistic approach. The program encompasses a broad range of competencies, from basic principles of art to technical drawing and computer-aided design, from the preservation and repair of different material types to principles of ethical intervention, and from museology and collection management to scientific research, occupational health and safety, and professional development. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical competence in documenting, preserving, and ensuring the sustainability of cultural heritage, students are trained as well-equipped professionals committed to ethical values, capable of integrating contemporary methods with traditional techniques.

Program Goals:

The Artifact Conservation Program aims to enable students to transfer basic art and ornamentation knowledge into practice, training them to become competent individuals in the processes of documenting, analyzing, preserving, and exhibiting archaeological and cultural heritage. In line with this goal, the program aims to cultivate individuals who can identify the physical and chemical properties of various material types and apply appropriate conservation-restoration techniques; effectively utilize technical drawing, digital drafting, and photographic documentation; make restoration and conservation decisions in accordance with ethical principles; contribute to museology, collection management, and exhibition processes; and continuously improve themselves in scientific research, occupational health and safety, and professional development.

Titles to be Awarded to Graduates:

• Artifact Conservation Technician
• Restoration and Conservation Technician
• Cultural Heritage Conservation Specialist

Career Opportunities:

• In museums and archaeological units affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism,
• As technical personnel in restoration and conservation laboratories,
• In municipalities, cultural centers, the Directorate of National Palaces, special provincial administrations, foundations, and private sector restoration firms,
• In documentation and conservation processes within archaeological excavation teams,
• As support staff in areas such as museology, exhibition design, and collection management,
• As practitioners in cultural heritage-focused NGOs and projects,
• In private workshops or consultancy firms by specializing in their field,
• Pursuing academic careers by transferring to undergraduate programs via the Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS) or other degree completion options.

Undergraduate Programs Eligible for Vertical Transfer (DGS):

• Tile Design and Repair
• Handcrafts
• Interior Architecture
• Traditional Turkish Arts
• Interior Architecture and Environmental Design
• Architecture
• Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties

Additionally, the Artifact Conservation Program offers open-education undergraduate degree programs that graduates can directly enroll in.

Academic Staff:

Asst. Prof. Nazan YÜZBAŞIOĞLU

Lecturer Nil TÜRK ATALAN

Lecturer Çiğdem YAVLAL