In the heart of Sivas, Turkey, a traditional house holds secrets that could reshape how we approach the restoration of cultural heritage buildings. Gamze Fahriye Pehlivan, a researcher from Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi, has pioneered a non-destructive testing method that could revolutionize the way we analyze and restore gilded ornamentation. Her work, published in the *Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning* (translated as *Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning*), offers a scientific approach to a field often reliant on empirical methods.
Pehlivan’s study focuses on the elemental analysis and production technique of gilded ornamentation using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. This method is non-destructive and contactless, making it an invaluable tool for conservators and restorers. “The knowledge and experience of craftsmen can be utilized to determine the content and production technique of the ornamentation in a cultural heritage building; however, this empirical approach is unscientific and prone to error,” Pehlivan explains. Her research aims to bridge this gap by providing definitive results through an analytical and scientific approach.
The study’s material is a gilded ornamentation from a traditional house in Sivas. The XRF analysis revealed the absence of gold, indicating that the gilding was not produced from original gold but is an imitation. The concentration of copper and zinc elements suggested that the imitation gilding was produced from a brass alloy. The zinc/copper ratio matched the ratio used to achieve a gold-like color, and the absence or trace amounts of other elements excluded other techniques used for gold imitation.
This research is not just about uncovering the secrets of a traditional house in Sivas. It presents a new approach to the literature by demonstrating the applicability of modern, non-destructive, contactless techniques like XRF analysis to the science of conservation and restoration. The implications for the energy sector are significant. As the demand for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings grows, the need for accurate and non-destructive testing methods becomes increasingly important. Pehlivan’s research could pave the way for future developments in this field, shaping how we approach the restoration and conservation of cultural heritage buildings.
Pehlivan’s work is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry in the field of cultural heritage conservation. Her research offers a new perspective, one that combines the richness of traditional craftsmanship with the precision of modern science. As we look to the future, the insights gained from this study could help us preserve our cultural heritage in a way that is both scientifically rigorous and respectful of the past.