Nilüfer B. Yöney (USA): A new narrative for the interpretation of archaeological heritage

Archaeological heritage is one of the hardest subjects to interpret. Their multi-layered context presents interwoven stories but the thousands of years of separation from today’s societies challenges narrative interpretations, making their stewardship incomprehensible. This presentation focuses on a socio-cultural association generated through the interaction of archaeological research. Early 20th century photographs from archaeological sites provides a source documenting people as well as finds. This new narrative for co-creation and association through a social history of former and present workers at Tell Tayinat from the surrounding villages, utilises the University of Chicago ISAC digital archive of the 1930s expeditions. The individual and family (hi)stories produced could become a frame that provides the connection and stewardship of surrounding communities. The narrative also has the potential to be combined with continuing practices such as building, cooking and farming. Nilüfer Baturayoğlu Yöney is a professor of architectural history and preservation. Her research areas include architectural and archaeological survey, documentation and preservation, building materials and technologies, and modern and industrial heritage, and has designed adaptive reuse and archaeological conservation projects in Turkey. She is a member of Docomomo International and ICOMOS.