معرفی
Muhammet Hanifi ZENGİN is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at Kazim Karabekir Technical Sciences Vocational School, Kafkas University, Turkey. Appointed as Instructor in 2013, he progressed to Doctor Lecturer (2022) and Associate Professor (2025), while simultaneously serving as Deputy Director of the Vocational School since 2017 and Director of the Application and Research Center since 2024.
His academic credentials include a PhD in Plastic Arts (Sculpture) from Atatürk University's Institute of Fine Arts (2019-2022), a Master's in Sculpture from the Institute of Social Sciences (2007-2011), and a BA in Sculpture from the Faculty of Fine Arts (2002-2006).
- PhD: Plastic Arts (Sculpture), Atatürk University, 2019-2022
- Master's: Sculpture, Atatürk University, 2007-2011
- BA: Sculpture, Atatürk University, 2002-2006
ZENGİN's research integrates sculpture with architectural restoration, environmental concerns, and cultural identity. His work explores figurative sculpture's sensory dimensions, public art's role in regional identity formation (exemplified by Gateshead's 'Angel of the North'), and ecological art practices like tree-planting interventions. He investigates how local geographic codes shape artistic identity and transforms industrial waste and corroded metals into meaningful artworks, bridging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary environmental discourse.
His publication trends reveal a consistent focus on sculpture's evolving relationship with ecology and cultural memory, with increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches that connect plastic arts with urban planning, environmental science, and social theory since 2022.
Notable awards include:
- 75th State Painting and Sculpture Competition Achievement Award (2021)
- Multiple 2018 awards for birdhouse design competitions (wood and ceramic categories)
- Mail Art Post Art Award (2016)
- Yunus Emre Memorial Sculpture (2016)
While he has not supervised theses, ZENGİN served as researcher for the 2022 BAP project 'Re-evaluation of Cultural Objects in Contemporary Art'. His extensive artistic practice includes 25 international/national events, particularly snow sculpture symposiums commemorating historical events like the Sarıkamış Operation. He collaborates closely with İlhan Kaya (2024-2025) and Mustafa Bulat (2023) on interdisciplinary projects.
Through his leadership at Kafkas University's Application and Research Center, ZENGİN merges academic work with community engagement, developing public art installations that address regional identity and environmental challenges through sculptural interventions in natural and urban landscapes.
