Turkish Archaeologist joins important jury: Turkish-American relations under the spotlight

Turkish archaeologist and restoration expert Asena Yaşar is a jury member for the exhibition "America in Turkey: 1910–1970," hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in New York and organized by the Global Journalists Council (KGK). The exhibition, which opened at the New York Turkish House on September 13 and concludes on September 20, also featured the "International Media Friendship Awards."

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures from academia, culture and the arts, and business circles from Turkey and the US. This event, an international platform to which only select experts are invited, is taking place ahead of the United Nations General Assembly and Leaders' Summit in New York, further enhancing its symbolic significance.

The exhibition, which reflects the historical memory of Turkish-American relations through visual documents, archive clippings, and rare objects, was unveiled for the first time through the private archive of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sefer Darıcı. The exhibition was curated by İstinye University Faculty Member Dr. Özgenur Reyhan Güler. Yaşar, who served as a jury member for the evaluation of archival documents for the exhibition, said, “Such responsibilities are not only a professional contribution for me, but also a duty of representation. Preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations has always been a responsibility that transcends national borders.”

Yaşar, who has worked on numerous projects in the past, ranging from underwater excavations to the restoration of UNESCO heritage structures, continues to develop cultural heritage education and digital archaeology projects under the umbrella of Archrono Academy LLC, which he founded in the US. Yaşar, who continues his academic research and publications internationally, said, “For me, heritage preservation is not just a profession. It is a responsibility I bear towards the future of humanity. Preserving the past actually means building the identity of tomorrow.”

Yaşar, who previously played active roles in the restoration of iconic structures such as İzmir Limantepe, Zonguldak Tios (Tieion) Ancient City, Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, and Tophane Clock Tower (Galataport), was awarded the "Most Successful Archaeologist Expert" award in 2022 and the "Cultural Heritage Expert of the Year" award in 2025. Both awards were presented as part of international programs with participation from different countries.