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Long before ancient artifacts are displayed behind museum glass, they undergo meticulous restoration in Türkiye’s specialized conservation labs—a process likened to surgery by those who carry it out.
Unearthed during archaeological excavations, these relics emerge from the soil after centuries, only to begin a new journey of preservation. From the first classification in the field to their final place in a museum hall, each piece passes through expert hands and a comprehensive workflow.
Once discovered, artifacts are first documented, photographed, and logged on-site before being transferred to the relevant museum. There, they are examined by specialists before being sent to one of the country’s 13 regional Restoration and Conservation Laboratories, overseen by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
In these laboratories, the true transformation begins. Experts assess the object’s age, structure, material, and necessary treatments. Some pieces require only a gentle cleaning, while fragmented ones are carefully reassembled using appropriate, reversible materials.
When gaps exist, restorers follow internationally accepted scientific methods to ensure the artifact’s structural and visual integrity is preserved.
Restoration teams work with tools often found in operating rooms—brushes, cotton swabs, dental picks, forceps and scalpels. Some delicate details require hours of patient, steady work to ensure that the artifact’s story is told without damage.
This level of care reflects not only technical skill but deep respect for cultural heritage.
One recent example of this expertise is the "Draped Woman" statue discovered in Perge Ancient City, located in Antalya’s Aksu district. Under the leadership of Professor Sedef Cokay Kepce, the excavation team unearthed the statue in eight separate pieces.
The restoration process, fully documented by Anadolu Agency, took place at the Antalya Regional Restoration and Conservation Laboratory. Beginning with a surface cleaning, the experts then measured and analyzed the statue’s structure and breaks. The restoration team repaired the base, reattached the separated head, and used precise techniques to restore the figure’s original form.
Once completed, the statue was safely stored in the Antalya Museum’s conservation depot, awaiting future display.
Harun Gullu, director of the Antalya laboratory, highlighted the team’s role in preserving Türkiye’s cultural heritage. "Our specialists analyze the damaged sections of each piece and apply scientifically approved methods, working with surgical precision to ensure these artifacts are passed on to future generations," he said.
He emphasized the complexity behind each project, "From the moment an artifact arrives at our lab to the day it is exhibited, an entire team of professionals devotes itself to every detail. Behind these restorations lies enormous effort, deep expertise, and a profound commitment."
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