RITUALS OF MODERNITY: MUSEUM ARCHITECTURE, ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISPLAYS, AND THE FORMATION OF NATIONAL IDENTITY

Date

2026-2-19

Author

Soysal, Ali Kaan

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This thesis investigates the evolving relationship between state-led archaeological narratives and public perception in Türkiye, focusing on the tension between authorized heritage discourse and contemporary identities. It addresses the widening gap between the top-down nation-state heritage frameworks of the early Republican era and the diverse, increasingly utilitarian ways modern society interacts with cultural heritage. To analyze how archaeology serves as a tool for identity construction, a dual methodology was employed: (1) a field study at the Anatolian Civilizations Museum measuring visitor perception, and (2) a digital discourse analysis of Ekşi Sözlük to capture non-institutional debates. The findings reveal that the most decisive factor in heritage perception is generational differentiation, reflecting a clear transition from a state-centric citizen model to a globalized consumer model. While Gen-X maintains a necessary conformity to the museum’s authoritative discourse, seeking national enlightenment through institutional truth, Gen-Y reclaims heritage as a stage for emotional and sovereign identity. Conversely, Gen-Z adopts a pragmatic, experience-oriented approach, utilizing social media to seek universal thinking rather than national myths. Ultimately, this shift indicates that traditional institutional authority is being superseded by a pluralistic, digitally mediated, and inquiry-based public perception. This transformation necessitates a transition toward more inclusive heritage policies that move beyond national prestige to reflect the multifaceted identity searches of contemporary society.

Subject Keywords

Archaeological Heritage, Public Perception, National Identity, Anatolian Civilizations Museum, Digital Heritage

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/118725

Collections

Graduate School of Social Sciences, Thesis