An evaluation workshop titled “Determination and Analysis of the Technological Levels of Surface Paints Used in Historical Cultural Heritage through Engineering Characterization Techniques: The Case of Rize” was held at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) within the scope of a TÜBİTAK-supported project.

In addition to OMU, many academics from Atatürk University, Istanbul University, Karadeniz Technical University, Kastamonu University, and Samsun University participated in the workshop.

The event, held at OMTEL Hotel, was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Organizing Committee Chair and Faculty Member of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okay Pekşen, organizing committee members, guest participants, academics, and many invitees.

Vice Rector Kurnaz: “Interdisciplinary studies produce scientific value”

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary scientific studies:

“This workshop represents not only the evaluation of a project’s outcomes but also a comprehensive example of the scientific process, from idea development to field applications, from analysis processes to interpretation. This study is not the product of a single discipline; it is a multi-layered scientific model that brings together the analytical power of engineering, the interpretive approach of history, and the contextual depth of geography.”

“Such studies help us understand the technological capacity of past periods”

Highlighting that examining historical surface paints through engineering characterization techniques is not merely a technical analysis, Kurnaz stated:

“These types of studies do not only provide material analysis; they also help us understand the technological capacity of past periods. The pigments, binders, and application techniques used reveal not only ‘how it was done’ but also ‘with what knowledge it was produced.’”

“We attach great importance to interdisciplinary and high-impact research”

Referring to the importance of the project, Kurnaz said:

“This study goes beyond a local application and presents a strong model for examining cultural heritage in Türkiye through scientific methods. As OMU, in line with our goal of becoming a research university, we attach great importance to interdisciplinary studies with high impact potential.”

Expressing his belief that the TÜBİTAK-supported project will make significant contributions to both academic literature and practice, Kurnaz added:

“I would like to thank our project coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okay Pekşen, the entire project team, and all contributing academics. I believe this workshop will pave the way for new collaborations and research ideas, and I hope it will conclude with productive outcomes.”

Within the program, a comprehensive presentation on the project’s aims, objectives, and methodology was delivered by the project coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okay Pekşen.

Expert presentations in the field

In the following sessions, surface research conducted within the scope of the project, the historical evaluation of the obtained data, and analysis processes were presented by experts in the field. Presentations delivered by academics from Erzurum Technical University, Atatürk University, and Ondokuz Mayıs University focused on scientific data related to the preservation of cultural heritage.

Academic collaboration and interdisciplinary approach

The program also included sessions on the geographical characteristics of the project site, analysis studies, and the interpretation of findings. In the final session of the workshop, academics from different universities exchanged views on the project outputs during an evaluation session.

The workshop, organized within the framework of a project supported by the TÜBİTAK 1001 program, is expected to make significant contributions to efforts aimed at preserving cultural heritage and analyzing it through scientific methods. The event concluded following the collection of participants’ evaluations.