Muhammet BİLGEN

Muhammet BİLGEN is an Associate Professor at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Traditional Turkish Arts. He has been actively contributing to the field of traditional Turkish arts since joining Kastamonu University in 2016, where he was promoted to Associate Professor in 2022. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at Karabük University's Safranbolu Vocational School. Currently, he also holds the position of Vice Dean at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, demonstrating his leadership in academic administration alongside his scholarly work.

Dr. Bilgen completed his undergraduate education at Atatürk University's Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Traditional Turkish Handicrafts (1997-2001), followed by a Master's degree (2002-2005) and Art Proficiency/PhD (2005-2010) at Dokuz Eylül University's Institute of Fine Arts. His educational background has provided a strong foundation for his expertise in traditional Turkish arts and conservation techniques.

His primary research focuses on traditional Turkish arts with special emphasis on calligraphy (tezhip), hand-drawn work, tile repair, and foil application. Dr. Bilgen has conducted extensive research on the conservation and restoration of surface-mounted hand-carved and architectural tiled structures in historical buildings across Turkey. His scholarly work bridges traditional artistic practices with modern conservation methodologies, contributing significantly to the preservation of Turkey's cultural heritage. His research often examines the intricate connections between traditional craft techniques and contemporary conservation practices.

Dr. Bilgen's publications reveal a consistent focus on the analysis and preservation of traditional Turkish art forms within religious and historical contexts. His work spans manuscript analysis, architectural decoration studies, and technical aspects of traditional art techniques, with particular attention to Anatolian cultural heritage sites in Konya, Kastamonu, and other historically significant regions. The research demonstrates a methodical approach to documenting traditional techniques while developing appropriate conservation strategies.

He has supervised numerous Master's students whose theses focus on various aspects of traditional Turkish arts, particularly manuscript analysis, tezhip, and architectural decoration. His academic leadership extends beyond teaching to include administrative roles as Vice Dean and previously as Department Head at Kastamonu University.

Professionally, Dr. Bilgen has played an active role in the conservation and restoration of hand-carved and tiled structures in many important historical buildings, including the Aziz Mahmut Hüdai Mosque in Üsküdar, Istanbul; the Eşrefoğlu Mosque in Beyşehir, Konya; the Ulu Mosque in Akşehir, Konya; the Sahip Ata Hangah in Konya; the Karatay Madrasa in Konya; the Melik Ahmet Pasha Mosque in Diyarbakır; and the Konak Stage of the General Directorate of State Theatres in İzmir. His practical conservation work complements his academic research, creating a comprehensive approach to cultural heritage preservation.