A group of eleven scholars, including vice-rectors, deans and heads of chairs from the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia visited Turkey from February 10th to 14th, 2018, as part of the Turkey-Armenia Dialogue Programme series, organised by the Hrant Dink Foundation in partnership with Gyumri Youth Initiative Centre with the support of the UK Government’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.

The visit aimed at bringing together higher education institutions and architecture specialists from both countries to explore possibilities of collaboration. The group included architects, specialists of architectural design, urban construction, restoration and reconstruction from the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia (NUACA).

During the programme, the participating scholars had a number of meetings with architecture faculties of universities, architectural offices and associations in Istanbul and presented the historical and contemporary aspects of Armenian architecture to the Turkish audience.

The group of scholars was hosted by MEF University Faculty of Arts Design and Architecture as well as the rector of the university. With the moderation of renowned professor of architecture Dr. Gülsün Sağlamer, the two universities exchanged information about their respective programmes in architecture and design, as well as discussed existing approaches and methodologies in architecture education. The group was introduced to MEF University’s architectural studios and the ongoing work of the students. The students and faculty members of the university had the chance to attend seminars by professors from NUACA on the history of Armenian architecture as well as the contemporary architecture of Armenia.

The group also visited Kadir Has University Faculty of Art and Design, Department of Architecture and learned about the department structure and its curricula. The group was provided with the guided tour of the university building, a former tobacco factory built by Hovsep Aznavour as well as the “Heritage of the Earth” exhibition at the Rezan Has Museum holding artefacts dating back to 1st century B.C.

The group also visited Tabanlıoğlu Architects and learned about its local and international projects of varying types and scales, and toured the offices and studios of the firm.

Besides, NUACA scholars had meetings with the Istanbul based HAYCAR Association of Architects and Engineers and learned about its activities, including projects aimed at the restoration of Armenian cultural heritage in Turkey.

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Ermenistanlı mimarlık uzmanları Türkiye'yi ziyaret etti / Architecture experts from Armenia visited Turkey

As part of the programme, guided by art historian Elmon Hançer, the group explored the major architectural and cultural sites of Istanbul, including the Armenian cultural heritage of the city. Particularly, the group visited Haghia Sofia, Dolmabahçe Palace Süleymaniye Mosque, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul, Armenian Catholic Archeparchy of Istanbul, Surp Krikor Lusavorich and Surp Asdvadzadzin Churches, Yedikule Surp Pırgiç Hospital. The group also visited one of the oldest Armenian schools in Istanbul -Getronagan High School, and held a discussion with students about architecture education in Armenia and possibilities of continuing their higher education in Armenia.

Assoc. Prof. Emma Harutyunyan and Assoc. Prof. Zaruhi Mamyan presented “Armenian architecture from past to present” at a panel discussion moderated by Lory Zakar at the Hrant Dink Foundation, which provided an opportunity for all interested to learn about the history and current trends of Armenian architecture.

From Press

Uzmanların gözünden Ermeni mimarisi - Agos 16.02.2018

Turkey-Armenia Dialogue Programme series are implemented by the Hrant Dink Foundation
in partnership with Gyumri Youth Initiative Centre
with the support of UK Government’s Conflict, Security and Stability Fund.
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