In the heart of Turkey, a study conducted at Amasya University is shedding light on the crucial role that education and sociodemographic factors play in the conservation of cultural heritage. Led by Aslı Altanlar, a researcher at Amasya University, the study delves into how students’ awareness of cultural heritage varies based on their background and field of study. The findings, published in the *Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering* (known in English as the *Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering*), offer valuable insights that could shape future conservation efforts and educational policies.
The research, which surveyed 719 students during the spring semester of the 2021–2022 academic year, reveals that undergraduate students exhibit a higher level of awareness about cultural heritage compared to those in associate degree programs. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of the depth and breadth of educational programs on students’ understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage.
“Our findings underscore the importance of tailored educational approaches to enhance cultural heritage awareness,” Altanlar explains. “For instance, students whose families reside in the city center demonstrated higher awareness levels than those from districts and villages. This suggests that exposure to cultural heritage sites and institutions plays a significant role in shaping students’ perceptions.”
The study also found that fourth-year students had a higher awareness of cultural heritage than their younger counterparts, indicating that prolonged exposure to educational content and experiences contributes to a deeper understanding. Additionally, students in the Department of Teacher Education and Religious Studies showed higher awareness levels compared to those in Architecture and Engineering Departments. This finding challenges the conventional assumption that technical and design-focused disciplines inherently foster greater cultural heritage awareness.
The implications of this research extend beyond the academic realm, particularly for the energy sector, which often grapples with the delicate balance between development and conservation. “Understanding the sociodemographic and educational factors that influence cultural heritage awareness can help policymakers and educators design more effective strategies for preserving historical and cultural values,” Altanlar notes. “This is particularly relevant for the energy sector, where infrastructure projects often intersect with culturally significant sites.”
The study’s findings call for educational institutions to develop robust policies and action plans to promote and protect cultural heritage assets. By fostering a greater sense of responsibility and awareness among students, these institutions can play a pivotal role in conserving cultural heritage for future generations.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of urbanization and industrialization, the insights from this research offer a timely reminder of the importance of cultural heritage conservation. By leveraging the findings, stakeholders in the energy sector and beyond can work towards a more sustainable and culturally rich future.