Restoration and conservation applications of underwater ceramic finds

Having comprehensive information on an artwork that will be studied, such as technological and social status of its creation date, the aim of its creation and usage, is indispensable for a successful conservation.In this study, the historical development of maritime commerce on Anatolia was mentioned initially. Afterwards, in addition to the evolution of underwater archaeology around the world and Turkey, education and research on underwater archaeology in Turkey was investigated as well. Moreover, information on the dates, freights, and excavation process of completed shipwreck excavations in Turkey were also given.Second section contains technical information on the restoration and conservation of underwater ceramic finds. Concisely, following the investigation of the development of ceramic conservation, reasons of ceramic corrosion were explained. At the end of this section, detailed investigations were made on conservation process flow and required methods for a successful conservation.Eventually, restoration and conservation applications, which were performed at the INA Bodrum Conservation Laboratory, on the ceramic findings obtained from INA (Institute of Nautical Archaeology) coordinated shipwreck excavations in Turkey are explained.