Anastelosis of Greco-Roman Temple Remains in Western Anatolia: Principles, Implementations and Assessment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Anastelosis, which is defined as the reassembly of a structure by bringing together its existing original fragments, is a technique of conservation and presentation in archaeological sites. The aim of this study is to contribute to the conservation and presentation of the structures and to determine the basic principles to be considered during the implementation by analysing and evaluating the anastelosis implementation at temple structures in Western Anatolia, Turkey. The authors examined on-site evidence, archival and literature review. Analysis criteria were determined as emphasis of the structure within site scale and in original state, structural and visual integrity of the monument, authenticity, reliability, distinguishability, visual and material compatibility, reversibility and re-treatability. As a result, it was pointed out that the principles of reversibility/re-treatability and distinguishability should be managed while providing reliability, compatibility/structural and visual integrity in line with the preservation of authenticity.