Deterioration and Conservation of Cappadocian Wall Paintings

Abstract

AbstractIn 1985, the region of Cappadocia, Turkey, was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a combined cultural and natural site. Capadoccia’s distinctive landscape is a product of volcanic activity, which resulted in the formation of tuff rock strata that were gradually eroded into dramatic peaks. The tuff is easily hollowed out, and for this reason the region has long been a place of rock-cut settlements. Carving techniques remained unchanged for centuries. In the fourth century A.D., Cappadocia became a religious center both for hermits and monastic communities. This led to the architectural development of rock-cut churches and monasteries. The Göreme Valley contains some of the most important rock-cut churches. These have been, and continue to be, a particular focus of conservation efforts regarding their rock structures and wall paintings. Environmental exposure leads to a wide range of problems, including rock erosion, rainwater infiltration through cracks and fissures, exfoliation and collapse of rock, and deterioration of wall paintings. Added to these natural problems are growing tourist numbers and inappropriate touristic developments. This paper describes efforts to address these various issues.KeywordsCappadociaRock-cut churchEnvironmental deteriorationWall paintingsConservation and restoration