Prof. Dr. Anar Azizsoy presented Kastamonu Studies: Araç and its Countryside (History, Archaeology and Art History Writings) to Prof. Dr. Muhittin Kapanşahin, Dean of the Faculty of Letters. Our Dean Prof. Dr. Muhittin Kapanşahin congratulated and thanked Prof. Dr. Anar Azizsoy, Head of the Department of Art History, for his work.
The work presents a multi-faceted examination of Araç and its surroundings, which constitute the southwestern border of Kastamonu, in terms of historical, archaeological and art history.
The following statement, which forms the framework of the book, clearly reveals the scope and significance of the work:
"Araç, located on the southwestern border of Kastamonu, possesses a rich material accumulation that sheds light on the region's history from the Hellenistic Period onwards. It is understood from the archaeological findings that the district was among the settlements of the Roman Empire within the borders of ancient Paphlagonia, and gained particular importance during the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) period, as confirmed through the study of the Araç Fortress, which constitutes the core of the historical topography. In the Turkish era, the district underwent a new phase of architectural and cultural development when it first became the capital of the Çobanoğulları (1211–1309), and later the Candaroğulları (1309–1461) principalities. The evolution of the physical structure under Turkish rule continued during the Ottoman period, and, in line with the political prominence of the ruling power, distinguished architectural works were produced even in today’s towns and villages. In addition to religious and public buildings, certain residential structures are noteworthy not only for their monumental façades and massiveness but also for stylistic features that reflect an emulation of the late architectural style of Istanbul, the Ottoman capital. Moreover, from the perspective of identifying the existence of a local aesthetic concept, the architectural developments in the rural areas and their contributions to the region’s building art are undeniable."
This work not only reveals the historical process and architectural heritage of the Araç district and its rural areas but also sheds light on the cultural continuity in Anatolia, the transformation of local aesthetic concepts over time, and the unique characteristics of architectural art carried from the Ottoman period to the present day.
We congratulate Prof. Dr. Anar AZIZSOY, Head of the Department of Art History, Faculty of Letters, and the authors of the department for their work and wish them continued success.