title: An Example of the Functional Development of Museology: An Examination of the Historical and Sociocultural Transformation from the Simyanoğlu Factory to Adana Museum Within the Framework of Contemporary Museology
Creators: name: Dervişoğlu, Nedim
Publisher: name: Universität Bern
Year: 2025
Subjects: subject: 060 Associations, organizations &amp; museums

description: Research Question
The thesis examines the transformation of the Simyanoğlu Factory into the Adana Museum, exploring its historical and sociocultural significance within the framework of contemporary museology. The study seeks to understand the factory's role in Adana's industrial development, its social impact on the community, and the architectural and historical features that make it a unique cultural heritage site. This thesis delves into the transformation of the Simyanoğlu Factory into the Adana Museum, examining its significance within the broader context of museological development in Turkey and around the world. The research adopts a comparative approach, analyzing the historical trajectory of museology globally and in Turkey, with a specific focus on the unique case of the Simyanoğlu Factory in Adana.
Content
The thesis provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development of museology in Turkey, tracing its evolution from the Ottoman period to the present day. It examines the various classifications of museums in Turkey, including archaeological, art, history, geological, science and technical, and general museums. The study also delves into the institutional, spatial, and service classifications of Turkish museums, providing a detailed analysis of their organizational models and functions.
The thesis then focuses on the Adana Museum, housed in the former Simyanoğlu Factory, as a case study of industrial heritage repurposing. It traces the factory's history from its establishment in 1907 to its transformation into a museum complex in 2013. The study examines the factory's role in Adana's industrial and social development, highlighting its contribution to the region's economy and its impact on the local community. The study begins by tracing the evolution of museology globally, highlighting key trends and shifts in museum philosophy and practice. It examines the origins of museums as cabinets of curiosities and their gradual transformation into institutions dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of cultural heritage. The research explores the various functions of museums in society, including their roles in education, research, and community engagement.
Turkish Museology: A Unique Trajectory
The thesis then delves into the specific context of museology in Turkey, tracing its development from the Ottoman period to the present day. It examines the influence of various factors, including political, social, and cultural changes, on the evolution of Turkish museums. The research highlights the unique characteristics of Turkish museology, such as its emphasis on archaeological and historical heritage, as well as its role in nation-building and cultural identity formation.
The research focuses on the Simyanoğlu Factory, a former German textile factory in Adana, as a case study in the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage for museum purposes. The factory, built in the early 20th century, played a significant role in Adana's industrial and economic development. However, with the decline of the textile industry, the factory fell into disuse and faced the threat of demolition.
The thesis also explores the architectural and historical features of the Simyanoğlu Factory, emphasizing its significance as a cultural heritage site. It discusses the challenges and opportunities involved in repurposing industrial buildings for museum purposes, highlighting the importance of preserving their historical and architectural integrity.
The Adana Museum's exhibitions and displays are analyzed in detail, showcasing the diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Adana's past and present. The study examines the museum's educational and social programs, emphasizing its role in promoting cultural awareness and appreciation among visitors of all ages.
The thesis highlights the evolving role of museums in society, moving beyond mere preservation to become active educational institutions, particularly for children. It emphasizes the shift in museum philosophy, from static displays to dynamic, interactive learning environments.
The thesis also discusses the importance of repurposing old buildings for museum purposes, preserving their historical and architectural significance while adapting them to new functions. It provides several examples of successful repurposing projects in Turkey, including the Adana Museum, the Kuruköprü Memorial Museum, and the Atatürk House Museum.
The thesis argues that repurposing old buildings for museum purposes not only preserves cultural heritage but also contributes to urban regeneration and economic development. It emphasizes the importance of integrating museums into the fabric of the city, making them accessible and engaging for local communities and visitors alike.
Modern Artifact Display and Museology
The thesis also explores the innovative approaches to artifact display and museology employed by the Adana Museum. The museum incorporates digital museology and interactive exhibits to enhance the visitor experience. This includes the use of technology, such as 3D models and virtual tours, to provide visitors with a more immersive and engaging experience. The museum also utilizes innovative display techniques, such as thematic exhibitions and chronological displays, to showcase its collection in a more meaningful and accessible way.
The thesis argues that these modern approaches to artifact display and museology are essential for attracting and engaging visitors, particularly younger generations. By incorporating technology and innovative display techniques, museums can create more interactive and immersive experiences that foster learning and appreciation for cultural heritage.
In situ Display of Mosaics
The thesis also highlights the Adana Museum's unique approach to displaying mosaics in situ, which means they are presented in their original location and context. This allows visitors to better appreciate the historical and architectural significance of the mosaics and understand their relationship to their surroundings. The thesis argues that in situ display is a valuable tool for preserving cultural heritage and providing visitors with a more authentic and meaningful museum experience.
Conclusion
The thesis concludes that the transformation of the Simyanoğlu Factory into the Adana Museum is a successful example of industrial heritage repurposing, demonstrating the potential for such sites to serve new cultural and educational functions. The study highlights the importance of preserving industrial heritage and integrating it into contemporary urban life, emphasizing the role of museums in promoting cultural identity and economic development.
The transformation of the Simyanoğlu Factory into the Adana Museum stands as a testament to the successful repurposing of industrial heritage for cultural and educational purposes. This project underscores the potential for such sites to be revitalized and integrated into contemporary urban life, serving as dynamic centers for community engagement and cultural enrichment.
The Adana Museum has emerged as a vibrant cultural hub, offering a diverse range of experiences for visitors of all ages. It has effectively embraced modern museology principles, incorporating interactive exhibits, digital technologies, and innovative display techniques to create an engaging and immersive learning environment.
Significantly, the Adana Museum has become a beloved destination for the local community, providing a space for learning, entertainment, and social interaction. It has fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the residents of Adana, who now view the museum as an integral part of their city's identity.
The museum's success in attracting and engaging children is particularly noteworthy. Through its interactive exhibits and educational programs, the Adana Museum has cultivated a love for learning and exploration among young visitors, inspiring them to connect with their cultural heritage in a meaningful way.
In essence, the Adana Museum has become a shining example of a modern museum that caters to the diverse needs and interests of its community. It has created a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all ages can come together to learn, grow, and celebrate their shared cultural heritage.
The thesis also offers recommendations for the future development of museology in Turkey, advocating for a more dynamic and interactive approach to museum management. It emphasizes the need for greater collaboration between museums, schools, and other cultural institutions, as well as the importance of utilizing new technologies to enhance the museum experience. The study also stresses the importance of public engagement and participation in museum activities, and the need for ongoing research and evaluation to ensure that museums continue to serve the evolving needs of society.
The transformation of the Simyanoğlu Factory into the Adana Museum stands as a testament to the successful repurposing of industrial heritage for cultural and educational purposes. This project underscores the potential for such sites to be revitalized and integrated into contemporary urban life, serving as dynamic centers for community engagement and cultural enrichment.
The Adana Museum has emerged as a vibrant cultural hub, offering a diverse range of experiences for visitors of all ages. It has effectively embraced modern museology principles, incorporating interactive exhibits, digital technologies, and innovative display techniques to create an engaging and immersive learning environment.
Significantly, the Adana Museum has become a beloved destination for the local community, providing a space for learning, entertainment, and social interaction. It has fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the residents of Adana, who now view the museum as an integral part of their city's identity.
The museum's success in attracting and engaging children is particularly noteworthy. Through its interactive exhibits and educational programs, the Adana Museum has cultivated a love for learning and exploration among young visitors, inspiring them to connect with their cultural heritage in a meaningful way.
In essence, the Adana Museum has become a shining example of a modern museum that caters to the diverse needs and interests of its community. It has created a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all ages can come together to learn, grow, and celebrate their shared cultural heritage. A factory built in the 19th and 20th centuries has been revitalized and now welcomes visitors with a contemporary museological approach.