Meeting for Joint Research on Conservation and Restoration of St. Michael’s Church (Keşlik Monastery)
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage is conducting a joint research project on the conservation and restoration of mural paintings on the interior walls of St. Michael’s Church (Keşlik Monastery) in Cappadocia, Turkey, in cooperation with a local specialized institutions and universities. Last year, a research plan was prepared based on field surveys, and after deliberations by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey and an expert committee, the project was officially approved for implementation.
From October 25 to November 9, 2024, we visited the site and conducted on-site research in collaboration with the Nevşehir Conservation and Restoration Research Center. The research focused on strengthening the detached plaster layers and removing soot stains from the surface of the mural paintings, among other conservation and restoration methods. Effective approaches were identified for both, and based on these results, a conservation and restoration plan were developed. Additionally, on November 6, we participated in an international symposium on this project held at Cappadocia University, where we presented a report on the objectives and progress of the project.
This joint research project has grown into an international project led by the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, with participation from specialized institutions and universities in Turkey, as well as experts from Europe. It aims not only at academic research but also at activities that will be useful to many people involved in the conservation and utilization of cultural heritage.