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Technical Cooperation Between Türkiye-Japan: Sharing Museum Experiences in the Organization at KTU

With the support of the Department of Archaeology at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU), a panel titled " Technical Cooperation between Türkiye-Japan: Sharing Museum Experiences" was organized at the KTU Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Culture and Congress Center, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Association of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA Association).

The panel on “Technical Cooperation between Türkiye-Japan: Sharing Museum Experiences” was attended by Trabzon Governor, Aziz Yıldırım, KTU Rector, Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı, Trabzon Provincial Police Chief, Murat Esertürk, President of the JICA Türkiye Office, Watanabe Daisuke, JICA Association President, Prof. Dr. Hasan H. Atar, academics, and students.

Opening remarks were delivered by Trabzon Governor Aziz Yıldırım, our Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı, JICA Association President Prof. Dr. Hasan H. Atar, and President of the JICA Türkiye Office Watanabe Daisuke.

Trabzon Governor Yıldırım, emphasizing the significance of holding the panel in Trabzon, stated during the opening ceremony: "Our city possesses a deep historical heritage, and this heritage plays an important role in shaping the future. Especially the studies to be conducted in the fields of museum studies and archaeology will not only showcase the position of our city but also shed light on the future." Governor Yıldırım expressed gratitude to Karadeniz Technical University and the Department of Archaeology, as well as Japanese expert researchers, for coming together in this valuable endeavor, and concluded his remarks by expressing hope that the panel would advance both cities and both countries.

Starting his speech by expressing the joy of hosting the panel, which is an important step towards further strengthening the longstanding friendship between Türkiye and Japan, our Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı highlighted the importance of cultural and technical cooperation between the countries today. He said: "Museum experiences are an important tool for building bridges between cultures. Museums are crucial institutions that carry the past into the future and enlighten societies. Therefore, by sharing the museum experiences of Türkiye and Japan, we aim to increase cultural exchange." Prof. Dr. Çuvalcı also emphasized the significant needs of Trabzon in the field of museum studies, stating, "With a new museum structure, we can introduce the rich history and contemporary identity of our city to a wider audience and thus enhance our cultural tourism potential."

In the first part of the panel that followed the opening speeches, participants from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) who attended training programs on cultural assets and museums in Japan shared their knowledge and experiences. These participants included Penbe Gürsoy, an Expert/Art Historian from the Directorate of the Kaman-Kalehöyük Archaeology Museum; İlkay İvgin, an Archaeologist/Restorer-Conservator from the Directorate of European Union and External Relations; and Ali Haydar Akçakale, a Civil Engineer from the Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums. They shared insights and experiences gained from their training in Japan. The panel program concluded with a presentation titled "Integration of Urban Archaeology with the City," delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sanem ÖZEN TURAN from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at our university.

Following the presentation of certificates to the panelists, the program ended with a group photo session.


22 March 2024