Bilge Ar

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilge Ar serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Istanbul Technical University's Faculty of Architecture. Her international research experience includes fellowships at University of Vienna (2021), CNRS France (2017-2018), and Oxford University's Khalili Research Centre (2011-2012).

Education:

• PhD in History of Architecture, Istanbul Technical University (2006-2014)
• Master's in History of Architecture, Istanbul Technical University (2003-2006)
• Bachelor's in Architecture, Istanbul Technical University (1999-2003)

Her research examines Byzantine-Ottoman architectural transitions through three interconnected lenses: spolia usage across empires, urban transformation during Istanbul's occupation period, and perception of Byzantine church exteriors in medieval urban contexts. Recent publications reveal increasing methodological sophistication through interdisciplinary approaches combining architectural history with archaeology and urban studies.

Analysis of her 15 publications (2015-2025) shows consistent focus on Istanbul's architectural heritage, with growing emphasis on refugee impacts on urban form and material reuse patterns. Her 2025 works demonstrate expanded geographic scope while maintaining core interest in Byzantine-Ottoman cultural continuity.

Scientific Awards:

• Tsiter-Kontopoulou Short-Term Research Stipend, University of Vienna (2021)
• ARIT Fellowship, American Research Institute in Turkey (2009)
• Second Honorable Mention, Maltepe Regional Park Design Competition (2007)

She supervises graduate students and currently leads two major research projects: 'Trakya Settlements During Byzantine-Ottoman Transition' (2024-2027) and 'Medieval Maçka, Trabzon' (2024-2025), examining Anatolian architectural heritage through fieldwork and archival research.