Multidisciplinary Researches in Cultural Heritage Studies: An Approach on Akkale Cistern in Erdemli, Mersin

Conservation, reinforcement and restoration of architectural heritage requires multidisciplinary approaches which should be organised in precise steps that are similar to those used in medical science. Architectural conservation decisions must rely on full understanding of the historical, material, structural, geological and environmental information related to the building and its setting. The aim of this paper is to discuss phases of a multidisciplinary approach applied to develop a conservation project for the ancient cistern building, located in Akkale archaeological site in Mersin (Turkey). Firstly, architectural description of the ancient cistern building in the light of current information revealed by archeological excavations is presented. Then, methods and technics conducted by each expert group are discussed explaining the main results obtained from each study. Finally, organization of multidisciplinary studies and results gained from each step are displayed through a flow chart diagram showing process of research and data from one phase to another to develop architectural conservation program.