Speakers

Biography:

Namık Kılıç graduated from the Restoration and Conservation Department, Istanbul University. He received his Master's degree in Conservation and Restoration of Marine Archaeological Objects from Istanbul University. His Master’s thesis is entitled A Research for the Conservation Treatment to be Used on Yenikapi 12 Shipwreck, and the Conservation Application for the Shipwreck. He is currently a PhD candidate at the Department of Conservation–Renovation and Restoration at Istanbul University, and in the process of writing his dissertation on Evaluation of Pre-Impregnation with Polyethylene Glycol and Vacuum Freeze-Drying Method for the Conservation of Yenikapi Shipwrecks. He is a research assistant at the Restoration and Conservation Department, Istanbul University, and Vice-Director of the Yenikapı Shipwrecks Project. His general research interests include conservation of water-logged wood and wet organic archaeological objects.

Abstract:

Yenikapı Shipwrecks: Fieldwork and Conservation

Thirty-seven Medieval shipwrecks, dating between the 5th century and the 11th century, were uncovered by the salvage excavations carried out under the supervision of the Istanbul Archaeology Museums Directorate. These shipwrecks constitute the largest Medieval shipwreck collection of the world. Yenikapı Shipwrecks show different stages of mixed traditions of shipbuilding techniques. The collection of shipwrecks is largely composed of merchantmen and galleys. The conservation work on 31 shipwrecks has been implemented by Department of Conservation of Marine Archaeological Objects, Istanbul University.