In 2019, we launched a project to ensure that the cultural and historical heritage of ancient Anatolia will be available to future generations and shine a light on the many past civilizations that have left their footprints in the area. In our 42-month ‘journey’ through the land we achieved some remarkable successes:

Setting up a new archaeology institute

We established the Turkish Archaeology Institute as the lead actor in the region for research into the cultural and historical heritage of Anatolian civilizations, creating opportunities for people to experience for themselves the spirit of this heritage and these civilizations and building a bridge between the past and the future. Visit the website to learn how you can be part of this experience:

Türk Arkeoloji ve Kültürel Miras Enstitüsü – İlim Ana Yurdumuzdur

Opening up access to over two million records

We established the Archaeology and Archaeometry Laboratory and Cultural Heritage Library for Turkish and European archaeologists, researchers, specialists, historians, architects and other experts. Over 1,400,000 documents detailing the archaeological excavations were digitised and collated. We also digitised the Ottoman archives, opening up more than 60,000 documents, 2,000 photographs and 1,000 films for use by archaeologists, researchers, specialists, historians, architects and other cultural heritage experts from around the world.

You can check out these treasures at: https://turkarkeolojienstitusu.org/enstitu/arsiv-hakkinda/

Bringing out new publications on Ancient Anatolia

We brought together leading Turkish historians and journalists to establish an editorial board, which produced 14 new publications on ancient Anatolian civilizations. We secured subscriptions to 20 international journals and we pioneered the production of two new ones.

You can see these publications at: https://turkarkeolojienstitusu.org/yayin_turu/kitaplar/

Planning new archaeological routes

Our experts helped to identify over 40 new routes for archaeological and tourist tours, which can be enjoyed while listening to magnificent tales told by experienced guides.

You can find out more about these routes at: https://turkarkeolojienstitusu.org/arkeolojik-tur-rotalari-hakkinda/

Encouraging partnerships and collaboration

The events we organised we brought together Turkish and European actors to strengthen collaboration on cultural heritage and establish an intercultural dialogue bridge. These exchanges opened up shared experiences and ideas, created new partnerships to undertake archaeological excavations and create and supply museums with artifacts, and established academic collaborations in fields from history to cultural economy.

Setting up Türkiye’s first National Archaeology Council

We established the first National Archaeology Council, bringing together 1,500 participants, including  prestigious speakers and moderators covering 11 different themes. The council is helping set new levels of archaeological disciplines for future scientific institutions.

Getting ready for the future

We trained over 1,000 people to work in cultural heritage projects and make a huge contribution to our understanding of the past, bringing them together to help future generations enjoy Anatolia’s past civilizations. Through our work, we established a strong network among civil society, public institutions, academia and the private sector in Türkiye and Europe.