Sakarya University contributes to the documentation, preservation, and transmission of tangible and intangible cultural heritage through academic research, field studies, publications, and digital archiving initiatives. These activities focus on traditional handicrafts, folk music, local cultural practices, and the cultural heritage of communities shaped by migration, supporting the safeguarding of cultural knowledge for future generations.
Preservation of the Musical Heritage of the Ada Manav Community
The “Dünü Bugünü Ada Manavları” Project, conducted by Sakarya University State Conservatory with support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, aims to document and preserve the traditional cultural heritage of Manav communities living in Sakarya.
Through field research conducted in Geyve, Taraklı, Pamukova, Hendek, and Kaynarca, the project documented the traditional musical heritage of local Manav communities.
As a significant research outcome reported in 2025, 31 folk songs were collected, transcribed, analysed, and compiled into the book “Dünü Bugünü Ada Manavları Müzik Kültürü Derleme, İnceleme ve Değerlendirmeler.”
The documented research and publication provide tangible evidence of Sakarya University's contribution to recording local musical traditions and preserving them for future generations.
Documentation of the Cultural Heritage of the Kınalı Muhacirleri Community
In December 2025, the project “Identification of Textile Products Specific to the Kınalı Muhacirleri in Sakarya and Analysis of Their Intangible Cultural Heritage Characteristics”, led by Assist. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Erdek from Sakarya University's Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, was awarded support under the TÜBİTAK 3005 programme.
The interdisciplinary project aims to identify and document the traditional textile products, production practices, and methods of cultural transmission of the Kınalı Muhacirleri community living in Sakarya.
The project also envisages cooperation with local public institutions, municipalities, and cultural associations. Its planned outputs include educational materials, workshops, exhibitions, and academic publications intended to increase the visibility and preservation of the community's cultural heritage.
This initiative demonstrates the university's efforts to develop research-based approaches to safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of communities shaped by migration.
Documentation of Traditional Handicrafts and Local Craftspeople
Sakarya University contributes to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage through academic research documenting traditional handicrafts and the knowledge of local craftspeople.
The book “Traditional Handicrafts and Masters of Sakarya within the Scope of Intangible Cultural Heritage”, authored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ela Taş, documents 25 traditional handicraft branches practised in Sakarya, including weaving, saddlery, pack-saddle making, and sericulture.
Based on field research and interviews with local artisans, the study records traditional production techniques and knowledge that are at risk of disappearing. The publication contributes to safeguarding regional cultural heritage and transmitting traditional craftsmanship to future generations.
Traditional Turkish Arts and Cultural Transmission
Sakarya University's Department of Traditional Turkish Arts contributes to the preservation and transmission of traditional artistic knowledge through higher education.
Its educational activities cover traditional art forms such as calligraphy, illumination, miniature painting, marbling, tile arts, and weaving.
By teaching traditional techniques and artistic practices, the department supports the continuity of Turkish cultural heritage and its transmission to new generations.
Sakarya City Memory – Digital Cultural Heritage Archive
The Sakarya City Memory initiative provides a digital platform for documenting and sharing Sakarya's historical and cultural heritage.
The platform brings together information and documentary resources relating to the city's historical buildings, cultural traditions, local lifestyles, folklore, and traditional handicrafts.
Through the organisation and public dissemination of these resources, the initiative supports the preservation of local cultural memory and provides access to cultural heritage information for researchers, students, and the wider community.
Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
Through cultural heritage research, field documentation, academic publications, interdisciplinary projects, and digital archives, Sakarya University contributes to the recording, preservation, and transmission of cultural knowledge.
These activities support SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, particularly Target 11.4, by strengthening efforts to safeguard cultural heritage and ensure its continuity for future generations.
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