This research explores the different heritage dynamics that require attention and examination before any conservation practices. This thesis particularly focuses on Kesik Minare case. Kesik Minare is located in the old town of Antalya, Kaleiçi, in Southwest Turkey. Kesik Minare is a heritage site that has a rich historical background from the 5th or 6th century until today. Throughout the history, Kesik Minare was used as a religious site both as a church and a mosque, which later on became an abandoned site after it was damaged by the great fire in Kaleiçi that happened in the late 19th century. Kesik Minare became a discussion topic in Antalya, due to the decision of its restoration and re-functioning as a mosque again. The research was conducted by using archival research, interviews, and participant observation. The data obtained from the research is used to analyze the impacts of the restoration and re-functioning of Kesik Minare on different layers of memory, identity formation and heritage values and authenticity while at the same time examining the politics that are involved in the heritage management process.

During the fieldwork, semi-structured interviews are conducted with 30 people including local people of Kaleiçi and heritage professionals.
The interviews are used to create a three-episode documentary.
Episodes are available upon request.

Presented at HEI International Conference, Oslo, 2022