Students of Istanbul Commerce University Faculty of Architecture and Design experienced hands-on learning in architectural conservation, restoration, and cultural heritage during the “Beyond the Stone” Sivas & Divriği Technical Study Trip, organized by the Faculty of Architecture and Design and the Architecture and Design Society. The program provided an opportunity to examine Seljuk heritage structures and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital, directly on site.
The “Beyond the Stone” Sivas & Divriği Technical Study Trip was held between May 15–17, 2026, organized by the Faculty of Architecture and Design and the Architecture and Design Society of Istanbul Commerce University. Throughout the program, students gained valuable field-based experience by examining historical and cultural heritage in situ. Under the guidance of Faculty Member Dr. Murat Erdal Dede, students conducted detailed analyses of Sivas’s historic urban fabric, Seljuk-era architectural works, and the UNESCO-listed Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital. The program enabled participants to directly observe architectural conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse processes in practice.
As part of the technical program, students examined key structures forming Sivas’s historic urban identity, evaluating urban memory, architectural continuity, and the relationship between built heritage and its historical context. Seljuk-era buildings were analyzed academically with a focus on stone craftsmanship, spatial organization, and decorative systems. Field observations allowed students to reinforce theoretical knowledge through direct engagement with architectural heritage.
The program included visits to significant landmarks such as Gök Medrese, the War Horses Museum, and Behrampaşa Hotel. These visits provided insight into heritage conservation strategies, restoration methodologies, and adaptive reuse practices. Students had the opportunity to critically observe how historical buildings are transformed and integrated into contemporary use scenarios.
One of the most significant stops of the trip was the Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital, which impressed students with its exceptional stone craftsmanship and architectural detailing. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex was studied in depth in terms of its aesthetic qualities, engineering solutions, and stone carving traditions, while also prompting discussions on conservation awareness and the sustainability of cultural heritage.
The university extends its gratitude to Sivas Municipality, the General Directorate of Foundations under the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and OYAK Ermaden for their contributions and support. The collaboration between public institutions, industry stakeholders, and the university continues to play a vital role in extending architectural education beyond the classroom into real-world contexts.
