Hande Kokten | Ankara University (original) (raw)
Papers by Hande Kokten
Proceedings of the XI. …, 2011
KULeuven. ...
Proceedings of the 12th Conference of the International Committee for the Conservation of Mosaics, "The Conservation and Presentation Of Mosaics: At What Cost?", Sardinia, October 27–31, 2014 , 2017
The major question of what to do with mosaics discovered at archaeological excavations is always ... more The major question of what to do with mosaics discovered at archaeological excavations is always followed by many others. Answers to these questions can be confusing as the decision makers (e x c a v a t i o n d i r e c t o r s , a r c h a e o l o g i s t s , a n d g o v e r n m e n t representatives) do not have adequate information about preservation and options for carrying it out. This uncertainty often causes serious problems and confusion to occur. This paper discusses these questions in the context of in situ mosaics in Turkey and attempts to develop a multilevel preservation directory to help excavators find an ethical, reliable, and sufficient solution for the preservation of archaeological sites with mosaics.
Jahreshefte des Österreichischen Archäologischen Institutes in Wien
Excavations in the ›Urban Mansion‹ at Sagalassos (SW-Turkey) have revealed 13 geometrical mosaic ... more Excavations in the ›Urban Mansion‹ at Sagalassos (SW-Turkey) have revealed 13 geometrical mosaic floors in opus tessellatum thus far. These include the in situ mosaics belonging to two Early Imperial phases of the private bath complex of the mansion, as well as – in situ and collapsed – pavements laid out during the late 4th–early 5th century A.D. phase of the residence. The stratigraphical dating of the mosaics of the late antique representative wing is supported by their stylistic characteristics. The polychrome interlaced and interloped motifs, executed by multi-coloured tesserae made of local chert, are entirely in line with the mosaic floors of contemporary buildings. Within the architectural context of the late antique élite mansion these fashionable floors functioned as indicators of room hierarchy and they contributed to the self-display of the house owner. The article ends with underscoring the importance of collaboration between archaeologists and conservators when mosaics...
Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, 2012
Abstract As stated in the Burra Charter (1979) ‘A building or work should remain in its historica... more Abstract As stated in the Burra Charter (1979) ‘A building or work should remain in its historical location. The moving of all or part of a building or work is unacceptable unless it is the sole means of ensuring its survival’. This statement has been neglected many times during rescue excavations in Turkey (e.g. Zeugma), whereas the destruction of ancient floor mosaics caused by lifting, especially when carried out by incompetent or inexperienced personnel at systematic archaeological excavations, has steered the authorities desire to preserve them in situ. However, due to the lack of conservation professionals and insufficient resources for conservation, it becomes a difficult issue to provide an effective preservation scheme for archaeological excavations. This paper aims to discuss this important issue in terms of the national legislation, preventative and interventive conservation approaches at various sites, exhibition and maintenance of mosaics, as well as the training of conservation technicians in Turkey.
Sagalassos V, Report On The Survey And Excavation Campaigns Of 1996 and 1997, Acta Archaeologica Lovaniensia, Monographiae, 10, Leuven University Press, Volume I, 419–447, Louven, 2000.İSBN: 9789058670793, 2000
Excavations in the ›Urban Mansion‹ at Sagalassos (SW-Turkey) have revealed 13 geometrical mosaic ... more Excavations in the ›Urban Mansion‹ at Sagalassos (SW-Turkey) have revealed 13 geometrical mosaic
floors in opus tessellatum thus far. These include the in situ mosaics belonging to two Early Imperial
phases of the private bath complex of the mansion, as well as – in situ and collapsed – pavements laid out
during the late 4th–early 5th century A.D. phase of the residence. The stratigraphical dating of the mosaics
of the late antique representative wing is supported by their stylistic characteristics. The polychrome
interlaced and interloped motifs, executed by multi-coloured tesserae made of local chert, are entirely in
line with the mosaic floors of contemporary buildings. Within the architectural context of the late antique élite mansion these fashionable floors functioned as indicators of room hierarchy and they contributed to
the self-display of the house owner. The article ends with underscoring the importance of collaboration
between archaeologists and conservators when mosaics are encountered in the field.
Abstract As stated in the Burra Charter (1979) ‘A building or work should remain in its historic... more Abstract
As stated in the Burra Charter (1979) ‘A building or work should remain in its historical location. The moving of all or part of a building or work is unacceptable unless it is the sole means of ensuring its survival’. This statement has been neglected many times during rescue excavations in Turkey (e.g. Zeugma), whereas the destruction of ancient floor mosaics caused by lifting, especially when carried out by incompetent or inexperienced personnel at systematic archaeological excavations, has steered the authorities desire to preserve them in situ. However, due to the lack of conservation professionals and insufficient resources for conservation, it becomes a difficult issue to provide an effective preservation scheme for archaeological excavations. This paper aims to discuss this important issue in terms of the national legislation, preventative and interventive conservation approaches at various sites, exhibition and maintenance of mosaics, as well as the training of conservation technicians in Turkey.
This paper aims to discuss the current state of "movable archaeological property" of Turkey, with... more This paper aims to discuss the current state of "movable archaeological property" of Turkey, with special reference to the past and present preservation approaches. Due to the absence of conservation professionals, excavators and museum specialists need to be equipped with all relevant information concerning the lifting, packing, storage techniques; as well as becoming conscious of the importance of monitoring and maintenance of their collections. Therefore, coming from the imperative role of archaeologist as "excavator and protector" of archaeological finds, "preventive conservation" has been becoming an auxiliary part of the
Türkiye'deki taşınabilir arkeolojik ve etnoğrafik kültür varlıklarının, kendileri için en önemli ... more Türkiye'deki taşınabilir arkeolojik ve etnoğrafik kültür varlıklarının, kendileri için en önemli risk kaynaklarından birini oluşturan "deprem etkeni"ne karşı korunaklı müzelerde depolanması ve sergilenebilmesi amacıyla gerek duyulan yapılanmanın müzede koleksiyon yönetimi kapsamında oluşturulması; müzelerde koruma planlaması ve afet yönetimi yoluyla kalıcı ve etkili önlemler alınması gerekmektedir. Bu gerekliliğin aciliyeti "deprem"in yol açabileceği tahribatın niteliği kadar, depremden zarar görebilecek koleksiyonların içeriği ve niceliği ile de ilgili olup, kısa ve uzun vadeli önleyici koruma uygulamaları yanısıra, müzeler bünyesinde ciddi bir teşkilatlanmayı da kaçınılmaz kılmaktadır. Bu bağlamda, halen yürürlükte olan "Müzeler İç Hizmet Yönetmeliği" 1 , "Ulusal Müze Başkanlıklarının Kuruluş ve Görevleri Hakkında Yönetmelik" 2 ve "Müzecilik Kılavuzu"nda 3 "koruma planlaması ve afet yönetimi" kapsamında uyulması gerekli ilkelerin yer alması beklenirken, adı geçen belgelerin incelenmesi sonucunda aşağıda özetlenen içerikle karşılaşılır.
Of the past, for the future: integrating archaeology and …, Jan 1, 2006
... It was later followed by similar programs in various universities in Turkey; training in the ... more ... It was later followed by similar programs in various universities in Turkey; training in the conservation of movable cultural property was not considered until 1989. ... 4 Legislation for the Preservation of Cultural and Natural Property of Turkey, Legislation No. ...
Studies in Conservation, Jan 1, 2010
This paper aims to present the preventive conservation programme thatwas put into practice in the... more This paper aims to present the preventive conservation programme thatwas put into practice in the museums of Northern Cyprus between 2005–
2007. A lack of local conservators and a vast amount of archaeological and
ethnographic collections in the museums, coupled to continuing rescue
excavations that increase the number of untreated objects in storage, havestimulated the Department of Antiquities to take a valuable and important
step to ensure the protection of their collections. An assesment of the problems and the formulation of solutions has highlighted the need for amulti-phased preventive conservation project, including seminars, work-shops, an education programme, condition surveys and rehabilitation of storage areas, all of which have been carried out under the supervision of the conservation programme of Ankara University, Turkey. A preventiveconservation approach introduced to the museums of Northern Cyprus,and the current results of the project will be discussed and presented inrelation to ‘before and after’ cases from the Girne Museum (Kyrenia)
Lessons learned: reflecting on the theory and practice …, Jan 1, 2008
Mosaic Floors Unearthed at Rescue Excavations in Turkey: A Philosophical and Ethical Evaluation o... more Mosaic Floors Unearthed at Rescue Excavations in Turkey: A Philosophical and Ethical Evaluation of the Decision-Making Process Hande Kokten Abstract ... İn TC Kültür Bakanlığı, Anıtlar ve Müzeler Genel Müdürlüğü, I. Müze Kurtarma Kazıları Semineri 19-20, Nisan 1990, 329-39 ...
Sagalassos V: report …, Jan 1, 2000
KULeuven. ...
Conference Presentations by Hande Kokten
In situ preservation and display of mosaics at archaeological sites in Turkey is a major issue wh... more In situ preservation and display of mosaics at archaeological sites in Turkey is a major issue which causes risks, due to the lack of conservation professionals, as well as insufficient site management. The main causes of these risks can be summarized as follows, from the discovery of the mosaic floor to its burial or display:
- Absence of professional (conservator or conservation technician) assistance during the discovery of a mosaic floor and the practice of inaccurate excavation techniques
- Lack of detailed documentation and condition assessment of the mosaic floor
- Lack of preventive conservation measures for stabilizing the condition of the mosaic floor
- Insufficient knowledge of first aid for the stabilization of the damaged mosaics
- Lack of standards for the re-burial of mosaic floors, as well as faulty practices (use of improper filling materials, plastic coverings, etc.)
- Improper lifting operations carried out by unauthorized and inexperienced
team members
- Storage of lifted mosaics in unfavorable conditions and lack of maintenance in excavation depots
- Poor quality of sheltering and lack of maintenance for in situ preserved and exposed mosaic floors
- Lack of periodical control for the condition of exposed mosaics preserved in situ
Proceedings of the XI. …, 2011
KULeuven. ...
Proceedings of the 12th Conference of the International Committee for the Conservation of Mosaics, "The Conservation and Presentation Of Mosaics: At What Cost?", Sardinia, October 27–31, 2014 , 2017
The major question of what to do with mosaics discovered at archaeological excavations is always ... more The major question of what to do with mosaics discovered at archaeological excavations is always followed by many others. Answers to these questions can be confusing as the decision makers (e x c a v a t i o n d i r e c t o r s , a r c h a e o l o g i s t s , a n d g o v e r n m e n t representatives) do not have adequate information about preservation and options for carrying it out. This uncertainty often causes serious problems and confusion to occur. This paper discusses these questions in the context of in situ mosaics in Turkey and attempts to develop a multilevel preservation directory to help excavators find an ethical, reliable, and sufficient solution for the preservation of archaeological sites with mosaics.
Jahreshefte des Österreichischen Archäologischen Institutes in Wien
Excavations in the ›Urban Mansion‹ at Sagalassos (SW-Turkey) have revealed 13 geometrical mosaic ... more Excavations in the ›Urban Mansion‹ at Sagalassos (SW-Turkey) have revealed 13 geometrical mosaic floors in opus tessellatum thus far. These include the in situ mosaics belonging to two Early Imperial phases of the private bath complex of the mansion, as well as – in situ and collapsed – pavements laid out during the late 4th–early 5th century A.D. phase of the residence. The stratigraphical dating of the mosaics of the late antique representative wing is supported by their stylistic characteristics. The polychrome interlaced and interloped motifs, executed by multi-coloured tesserae made of local chert, are entirely in line with the mosaic floors of contemporary buildings. Within the architectural context of the late antique élite mansion these fashionable floors functioned as indicators of room hierarchy and they contributed to the self-display of the house owner. The article ends with underscoring the importance of collaboration between archaeologists and conservators when mosaics...
Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, 2012
Abstract As stated in the Burra Charter (1979) ‘A building or work should remain in its historica... more Abstract As stated in the Burra Charter (1979) ‘A building or work should remain in its historical location. The moving of all or part of a building or work is unacceptable unless it is the sole means of ensuring its survival’. This statement has been neglected many times during rescue excavations in Turkey (e.g. Zeugma), whereas the destruction of ancient floor mosaics caused by lifting, especially when carried out by incompetent or inexperienced personnel at systematic archaeological excavations, has steered the authorities desire to preserve them in situ. However, due to the lack of conservation professionals and insufficient resources for conservation, it becomes a difficult issue to provide an effective preservation scheme for archaeological excavations. This paper aims to discuss this important issue in terms of the national legislation, preventative and interventive conservation approaches at various sites, exhibition and maintenance of mosaics, as well as the training of conservation technicians in Turkey.
Sagalassos V, Report On The Survey And Excavation Campaigns Of 1996 and 1997, Acta Archaeologica Lovaniensia, Monographiae, 10, Leuven University Press, Volume I, 419–447, Louven, 2000.İSBN: 9789058670793, 2000
Excavations in the ›Urban Mansion‹ at Sagalassos (SW-Turkey) have revealed 13 geometrical mosaic ... more Excavations in the ›Urban Mansion‹ at Sagalassos (SW-Turkey) have revealed 13 geometrical mosaic
floors in opus tessellatum thus far. These include the in situ mosaics belonging to two Early Imperial
phases of the private bath complex of the mansion, as well as – in situ and collapsed – pavements laid out
during the late 4th–early 5th century A.D. phase of the residence. The stratigraphical dating of the mosaics
of the late antique representative wing is supported by their stylistic characteristics. The polychrome
interlaced and interloped motifs, executed by multi-coloured tesserae made of local chert, are entirely in
line with the mosaic floors of contemporary buildings. Within the architectural context of the late antique élite mansion these fashionable floors functioned as indicators of room hierarchy and they contributed to
the self-display of the house owner. The article ends with underscoring the importance of collaboration
between archaeologists and conservators when mosaics are encountered in the field.
Abstract As stated in the Burra Charter (1979) ‘A building or work should remain in its historic... more Abstract
As stated in the Burra Charter (1979) ‘A building or work should remain in its historical location. The moving of all or part of a building or work is unacceptable unless it is the sole means of ensuring its survival’. This statement has been neglected many times during rescue excavations in Turkey (e.g. Zeugma), whereas the destruction of ancient floor mosaics caused by lifting, especially when carried out by incompetent or inexperienced personnel at systematic archaeological excavations, has steered the authorities desire to preserve them in situ. However, due to the lack of conservation professionals and insufficient resources for conservation, it becomes a difficult issue to provide an effective preservation scheme for archaeological excavations. This paper aims to discuss this important issue in terms of the national legislation, preventative and interventive conservation approaches at various sites, exhibition and maintenance of mosaics, as well as the training of conservation technicians in Turkey.
This paper aims to discuss the current state of "movable archaeological property" of Turkey, with... more This paper aims to discuss the current state of "movable archaeological property" of Turkey, with special reference to the past and present preservation approaches. Due to the absence of conservation professionals, excavators and museum specialists need to be equipped with all relevant information concerning the lifting, packing, storage techniques; as well as becoming conscious of the importance of monitoring and maintenance of their collections. Therefore, coming from the imperative role of archaeologist as "excavator and protector" of archaeological finds, "preventive conservation" has been becoming an auxiliary part of the
Türkiye'deki taşınabilir arkeolojik ve etnoğrafik kültür varlıklarının, kendileri için en önemli ... more Türkiye'deki taşınabilir arkeolojik ve etnoğrafik kültür varlıklarının, kendileri için en önemli risk kaynaklarından birini oluşturan "deprem etkeni"ne karşı korunaklı müzelerde depolanması ve sergilenebilmesi amacıyla gerek duyulan yapılanmanın müzede koleksiyon yönetimi kapsamında oluşturulması; müzelerde koruma planlaması ve afet yönetimi yoluyla kalıcı ve etkili önlemler alınması gerekmektedir. Bu gerekliliğin aciliyeti "deprem"in yol açabileceği tahribatın niteliği kadar, depremden zarar görebilecek koleksiyonların içeriği ve niceliği ile de ilgili olup, kısa ve uzun vadeli önleyici koruma uygulamaları yanısıra, müzeler bünyesinde ciddi bir teşkilatlanmayı da kaçınılmaz kılmaktadır. Bu bağlamda, halen yürürlükte olan "Müzeler İç Hizmet Yönetmeliği" 1 , "Ulusal Müze Başkanlıklarının Kuruluş ve Görevleri Hakkında Yönetmelik" 2 ve "Müzecilik Kılavuzu"nda 3 "koruma planlaması ve afet yönetimi" kapsamında uyulması gerekli ilkelerin yer alması beklenirken, adı geçen belgelerin incelenmesi sonucunda aşağıda özetlenen içerikle karşılaşılır.
Of the past, for the future: integrating archaeology and …, Jan 1, 2006
... It was later followed by similar programs in various universities in Turkey; training in the ... more ... It was later followed by similar programs in various universities in Turkey; training in the conservation of movable cultural property was not considered until 1989. ... 4 Legislation for the Preservation of Cultural and Natural Property of Turkey, Legislation No. ...
Studies in Conservation, Jan 1, 2010
This paper aims to present the preventive conservation programme thatwas put into practice in the... more This paper aims to present the preventive conservation programme thatwas put into practice in the museums of Northern Cyprus between 2005–
2007. A lack of local conservators and a vast amount of archaeological and
ethnographic collections in the museums, coupled to continuing rescue
excavations that increase the number of untreated objects in storage, havestimulated the Department of Antiquities to take a valuable and important
step to ensure the protection of their collections. An assesment of the problems and the formulation of solutions has highlighted the need for amulti-phased preventive conservation project, including seminars, work-shops, an education programme, condition surveys and rehabilitation of storage areas, all of which have been carried out under the supervision of the conservation programme of Ankara University, Turkey. A preventiveconservation approach introduced to the museums of Northern Cyprus,and the current results of the project will be discussed and presented inrelation to ‘before and after’ cases from the Girne Museum (Kyrenia)
Lessons learned: reflecting on the theory and practice …, Jan 1, 2008
Mosaic Floors Unearthed at Rescue Excavations in Turkey: A Philosophical and Ethical Evaluation o... more Mosaic Floors Unearthed at Rescue Excavations in Turkey: A Philosophical and Ethical Evaluation of the Decision-Making Process Hande Kokten Abstract ... İn TC Kültür Bakanlığı, Anıtlar ve Müzeler Genel Müdürlüğü, I. Müze Kurtarma Kazıları Semineri 19-20, Nisan 1990, 329-39 ...
Sagalassos V: report …, Jan 1, 2000
KULeuven. ...
In situ preservation and display of mosaics at archaeological sites in Turkey is a major issue wh... more In situ preservation and display of mosaics at archaeological sites in Turkey is a major issue which causes risks, due to the lack of conservation professionals, as well as insufficient site management. The main causes of these risks can be summarized as follows, from the discovery of the mosaic floor to its burial or display:
- Absence of professional (conservator or conservation technician) assistance during the discovery of a mosaic floor and the practice of inaccurate excavation techniques
- Lack of detailed documentation and condition assessment of the mosaic floor
- Lack of preventive conservation measures for stabilizing the condition of the mosaic floor
- Insufficient knowledge of first aid for the stabilization of the damaged mosaics
- Lack of standards for the re-burial of mosaic floors, as well as faulty practices (use of improper filling materials, plastic coverings, etc.)
- Improper lifting operations carried out by unauthorized and inexperienced
team members
- Storage of lifted mosaics in unfavorable conditions and lack of maintenance in excavation depots
- Poor quality of sheltering and lack of maintenance for in situ preserved and exposed mosaic floors
- Lack of periodical control for the condition of exposed mosaics preserved in situ