The Relations Between Memory-Value-Place in the Definition and Protection of Multilayered Cultural Heritage: The Case of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Fındıklı Campus

Korumada Bellek-Değer-Mekân İlişkisi

Abstract

Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSGSÜ) has been the source of the country’s production in the fields of architecture, art,
design, culture, and science in the 140 years since its establishment. The University has been using the Fındıklı Campus for 96
years. The physical layers of the Fındıklı Campus also contain the semantic relations established between each other, the city,
the institution, and its users. These relations are the source of the spirit of the place (genius loci) and its original and
distinctive features for Fındıklı Campus. These features are known as heritage values within the discipline of cultural heritage
conservation. In the case of architectural products, conservation values arise not only from their physical existence but also
from the meanings and values attributed to them by their users.
This study; aims to investigate the values attributed to the place in individual and collective memory corresponding to the
conservation values defined in the field of cultural heritage conservation in the context of place through the case of MSGSU
Fındıklı Campus.
The study consists of two main phases carried out with different research methods. The first phase focuses on the development and changes of the institution and the campus in the historical process. The second phase investigates the connections between the memory-place relations and the cultural heritage preservation values attributed to Fındıklı Campus. This phase required obtaining first-hand information from users who were familiar with the institution and campus and who had developed ties with these two. In line with the purpose of the study, the semi-structured interview method, which enables the acquisition of in-depth information, was preferred to determine the values attributed by the users. 17 interviews were made with the faculty members of different academic units of the University and the graduates of Atatürk Kız Lisesi, who were previous users of the Campus and had witnessed the different periods of the institution and the Campus in the historical process.
An analysis was carried out to to understand the memory-value-place relations and to identify the heritage values of the
campus in addition to its multi-layeredness, by evaluating the information obtained from the literature research, field study and semi-structured interviews conducted within the scope of the study. Identified heritage values are; memory value, symbolic value, identity value, historical value, document value, authenticity, integrity, aesthetic and artistic value, technical and technological value, rarity-uniqueness value, group value, use value and economic value. As a result of attributing these values through personal relationships, interviews showed that the users consider themselves responsible for the protection of the campus and the continuity of its values. This responsibility that they feel has an important potential to be a driving force for actions to be taken for the protection of the campus with its tangible and intangible values. It is highly probable that studies to be carried out on similar heritage sites with large user groups, will reveal similar potentials for the protection of these sites. These potentials and the possible conservation actions they will transform into must be addressed in a site-specific manner for each heritage site.
The study has shown that there is a need to document and transfer the productions of the institution and the campus in various areas from different periods, in order to preserve and keep the campus alive with all its tangible and intangible values. The establishment of participatory methods in which users who know the institution and the campus closely and feel a sense of belonging can contribute to the conservation actions will also support the preservation and continuity of the tangible and
intangible values of the campus. Like long-time users, new users will attribute their own values through the relationships they
develop over time. In order to convey the characteristics of the campus correctly and present it as a heritage site; It will be
beneficial to develop sustainable methods that can convey the value created together with its tangible and intangible elements
in a clear way, are compatible with the unique characteristics of MSGSU and the Fındıklı Campus, do not damage the original
characters of the places, and encourage users to take a role in presentation and protection.