Dünden Bugüne Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı Restorasyon ve Konservasyon Merkez Laboratuvarı Müdürlüğü

Three Decades of Scientific Conservation in Türkiye

Title: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Directorate of Central Laboratory for Restoration and Conservation from Past to Today
Publication: IV. International Turkish Art, History and Folklore Congress Art Activities, Konya
Year: 2015

Documenting the Evolution of Türkiye’s Premier Conservation Center

On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, this paper provides a strategic overview of the Directorate of Istanbul Restoration and Conservation Central Laboratory. Established officially in 1985 but rooted in the historical ‘Kimyahane’ (Chemistry House) tradition of the Ottoman era, this institution represents the first scientific attempt to safeguard Türkiye’s tangible cultural heritage under a unified national laboratory.

This work traces the laboratory’s journey from the historical Mint buildings of Topkapı Palace to its modern-day facility within the Bab-ı Hümayun. It highlights the institution’s transformation into a multi-disciplinary center that bridges administrative duties with academic rigor, ensuring that national treasures are preserved according to world-class standards.

Key Highlights & Impact

Institutional Identity: Mapping the administrative and scientific structure of Türkiye’s most comprehensive conservation network.

Legacy of Expertise: Honoring the transition from early chemical laboratories (Kimyahane) to a modern directorate specializing in inorganic, organic, and architectural conservation.

Strategic Expansion: Documenting the 2012 relocation and the expansion of Regional Laboratories (Bölge Laboratuvarları) to ensure heritage protection across the entire Anatolian geography.

Disseminating Knowledge: Emphasizing the laboratory’s role in fostering public awareness and academic collaboration through international symposia and high-level training programs.

Genç, U. (2015). “Dünden Bugüne Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı, Restorasyon ve Konservasyon Merkez Laboratuvarı Müdürlüğü”, IV. Uluslararası Türk Sanatı Tarihi ve Folkloru Kongresi/Sanat Etkinlikleri, (14-16 Mayıs 2015, Selçuk Üniversitesi, Konya), 279-283.

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