Low impact restoration techniques, coverings and fixed devices in an archaeological park: a case study at Tilmen Höyük in Turkey

This article deals with an experience on the construction, development and application of a ‘model’ for the planning, accomplishment and management of an archaeological park, starting from the crucial issue concerning the conservation and restoration of its ancient remains. This model was tested through a real action, carried out in the field: the case study of Tilmen Höyük in South-East Turkey. The model was conceived as a transferable one to other archaeological sites in the Mediterranean area, and was developed assuming as a benchmark the basic requirements of historical, archaeological, technological, chemical-physical, environmental and social sciences, with a particular attention for the problems presented by the foreseen mixed touristic-didactic uses of the site. As far as accessibility and use are concerned, we set up a modular system prototype for covering archaeological areas, with low costs adaptable to other sites, and all modular devices – fixed and mobile – necessary for a correct use of the park. The achieved results, culminated with the inauguration of the archaeological park in October 2007, are the product of a real interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary work, which has been constantly developed giving prominent attention to the themes of eco-compatibility and sustainabilit, under the social, economic, technical and environmental points of view within a strict and coherent idea of international cooperation.