History:
The Art History Department at Iğdır University was established on June 16, 2011, by a decision of the Higher Education Executive Board under the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The department operates under three sub-disciplines in accordance with Article 7/d-2 of the Higher Education Law No. 2547, as amended by Law No. 2880. It provides a significant educational framework aimed at preserving cultural heritage and fostering a deep understanding of art history. The department offers a comprehensive education to its students, focusing on the study of artistic works, structures, and cultural heritage from antiquity to the present.

Program Outcomes:
​Graduates of the Art History Department will possess the following competencies:

• The ability to analyze art movements, cultural heritage, and artistic works throughout history.
• The skill to gather historical data from written documents and cultural assets and relate them to modern life.
• Expertise in preserving and restoring cultural heritage.
• The qualifications to work in various fields of art history, including museums, archaeological excavations, and restoration projects.
• The capability to contribute to national and international cultural heritage projects.

​Language of Education / Program Type:
The language of instruction in the Art History Department is Turkish, and the program is offered at the undergraduate level. The department provides students with in-depth knowledge in historical, cultural, and artistic contexts through theoretical education and practical fieldwork skills. While a master's program is available under the Archaeology Department, the Art History Department currently does not offer master's or doctoral programs.

Infrastructure:
The Art History Department boasts a rich academic infrastructure and plays a pivotal role in projects aimed at preserving and researching cultural heritage. Practical education opportunities are offered in areas such as museum studies, archaeological excavations, and restoration work. Additionally, the department benefits from funding, including support from TÜBİTAK, to enhance academic projects, offering students the opportunity to participate in these endeavors. The department's infrastructure is designed to complement theoretical education with hands-on fieldwork opportunities.

Department’s Purpose:
The purpose of the Art History Department is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the art, architecture, and cultural heritage of ancient civilizations. The department aims to equip students with the ability to analyze historical, artistic, and cultural data using scientific methods. Graduates will specialize in the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage, helping society understand the values passed down from the past and ensuring their transfer to future generations.

​Current Status and Future Prospects:
The Art History Department offers undergraduate-level education within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Iğdır University. Currently, there are no graduate or doctoral programs in the department, though a master's program is available in the Archaeology Department. The department actively participates in projects related to the preservation and research of cultural heritage and continues to focus its academic work in these fields. In the future, the department plans to offer graduate and doctoral programs, expanding its reach to a broader student base. It also aims to educate graduates in a way that opens up more employment opportunities across various fields.

​Professions Under This Field:
Graduates of the Art History Department can specialize in various fields, including:

• Art Historian: Engaging in the preservation of cultural heritage and the study of art works.
• Museum Expert: Working in state and private museums in roles related to exhibition, preservation, and inventory management of art works.
• Restorer: Specializing in the restoration of art works, buildings, and historical objects.
• Cultural Heritage Expert: Developing projects for the preservation and management of cultural heritage.
• Archaeologist: Working as an art historian in excavations and research.
• Academic Staff: Teaching in universities as lecturers or research assistants.
• Cultural Projects Expert: Participating in public and private sector projects related to cultural heritage.

​Employment Opportunities:
Graduates of the Art History Department have a wide range of employment opportunities, especially in the fields of cultural heritage preservation and restoration. They can work in:

• Institutions under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (e.g., Directorate General of Cultural Heritage and Museums, Directorate of Restoration and Monuments, etc.)
• Private and State Museums: Specializing in the preservation and exhibition of art works.
• Archaeological Excavations: Working as an art historian in archaeological and art history excavations.
• Restoration Companies: Specializing in the restoration and preservation of historical artifacts.
• Academic Staff: Serving as faculty members or research assistants at universities.
• Cultural Projects and Foundations: Participating in projects aimed at the preservation of cultural heritage.

Graduates, depending on industry developments and their individual competencies, can find ample career opportunities in artistic and cultural fields.

For a short program presentation please  Click here.