The aim of the conference is to provide a platform to explore sustainable strategies for the conservation of historic timber structures in an era where the mismanagement of forest resources, the increasing cost of traditional constructional materials and the loss of traditional craft skills necessitates a radical rethinking of the means by which wooden heritage can be protected and sustained.

The Symposium will involve site visits to areas of historic timber architecture in the Historic Areas of Istanbul WH Site and the Bosphorus, a tour of the rich wooden heritage of the mountainous Eastern Black Sea Region, and will conclude with a visit to the Princes Islands and the Rum Orphanage, one of the three largest timber structures in the world, now at risk as a result of disputed ownership and lack of maintenance.

The one-day conference will be held in Istanbul, with the support of the Governorship and Metropolitan Municipality.

Membership of IIWC is not required to participate in the symposium.

A full programme and registration form can be obtained from the ICOMOS International Wood Committee and the Turkish Timber Association