VIRTUAL ISTANBUL HERITAGE(S)
Abstract
This article examines, from a cultural and restoration science perspective, the changing significance of cultural monuments and its impact on the preservation of historical heritage. The focus lies on the monuments of Easter Island (Rapa Nui), whose extraordinary cultural heritage – in particular the monumental Moai statues – has long been subject to complex cultural attributions, political interests, and restoration interventions. The cultural-historical examination of this heritage is crucial for understanding the multifaceted influences on the ascription of meaning to the monuments. Therefore, the article analyses not only cultural-historical developments but also incorporates restoration-related, historiographical, and political contexts. International cultural heritage initiatives as well as specific conservation and restoration measures are understood not merely as technical interventions, but as potent factors that sustainably influence and transform perception, interpretation, and valuation. A particular emphasis is placed on the question of how conservation and restoration measures, documentation strategies, and presentation contexts generate new interpretations and shift existing patterns of understanding. The findings provide not only deep insights into the historical development of Rapa Nui’s cultural heritage but also offer theoretical and practical guidance for a reflective and responsible approach to cultural monuments today. In doing so, the article contributes to the current debate on the changing significance of cultural heritage within the tension between preservation, identity, and global public discourse. This article is a continuation of the thematic complex initiated in the lecture: Kozub, B. (2024). “Is there a change in the significance of cultural assets through conservation and restoration treatment?” In: AMPS Architecture Media Politics Society, Proceedings: Past and Present – A Conference on Culture, History, Art and Design,Prague.
Beate Kozub: Conservator of Fine Arts/Conservation Scientist with focus on the research of cultural heritage. Expert at the project: Moai of Ahu Hanuanua Mea at the Easter Island. Doctoral degree(Dr.phil.) at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt/O.; Doctoral thesis about objekts at Auschwitz-Birkenau Stade Museum. Master of Art at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. Lectures at international conferences in the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain and Germany. Currently working as a consultant in Cologne/Bonn region and Potsdam,Germany.
Peter Kozub: 1986-1991 Study of Conservation and Restauration of Architectural Elements and Details at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Thorn, Poland; 1997–2013 Head of the Stone Conservation Workshop of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam; 2005 Doctorate at the Humboldt-University Berlin; since 2007 additionally visiting lecturer in a subject Theoretical Principles of the Conservation at the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder); since 2013 Professor in the field Conservation and Restoration of Stone at the TH Köln/Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Germany.