We are in pursuit of the traces of the ancient to document Türkiye’s cultural heritage elements before they disappear.
The Traces of the Ancient project was developed to record our country’s endangered cultural values, heritage, traditions, customs, and folkloric practices before they disappear, and to pass them on to future generations. Considering the speed of globalization and digitalization around the world, societies are increasingly under the threat of becoming uniform in many ways.
To recognize this threat, take preventive measures, and protect our values, we developed the Traces of the Ancient project and conducted an oral history study in various regions of Türkiye, focusing on topics selected according to their unique characteristics. Due to their rich socio-cultural diversity, the Southeastern and Eastern Anatolia regions were chosen as pilot areas.
Based on written sources and the oral cultural compilations we conducted in the field, we carried out filming in Mardin and Konya under the theme Colors of Ramadan. We highlighted the daily lives, experiences, memories, and cultural practices of local resource persons. Over a period of 10 days, we interviewed 40 individuals from diverse social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
Students took part in both the theoretical and practical stages of the project. Equipped with academic training and hands-on field experience, our students continue to prepare for and carry out the different stages of the project.
Click here to read the views of our Chairwoman of the Board, Assoc. Prof. Fatmanur Altun, on the Traces of the Ancient project. ↗
