MAKÜ Archaeology Department Continues to Uncover the Historical Texture of Burdur

Faculty members of the Department of Archaeology at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Faculty of Arts and Sciences continue their efforts to bring to light the historical texture of Burdur. The excavation works initiated in 2006 at the Ancient City of Kibyra have been carried out by a team led by MAKÜ Archaeology Department Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Şükrü Özüdoğru since 2010. In the efforts to uncover the structures of Odeion (Music House), Stadion (Stadium), and Agora (Market/Marketplace) in the Ancient City of Kibyra located in the Gölhisar district, MAKÜ faculty members and students are putting in great effort.

The excavations carried out by MAKÜ faculty members contribute to the protection and promotion of historical and cultural heritage, as well as enhancing the tourism potential of the region with the importance MAKÜ places on social contribution, thereby contributing to economic development. Additionally, the participation of university students in fieldwork provides significant contributions to their academic and professional development. Students reinforce their knowledge and skills with practical training opportunities. These efforts are of great importance both for the advancement of scientific research and for increasing the historical awareness of the local community.

On-Site Learning Opportunity for Students

MAKÜ Archaeology Department Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Şükrü Özüdoğru made statements about the work carried out in the Ancient City of Kibyra. Özüdoğru emphasized that they provide internship and on-site learning opportunities in the field for students who choose the archaeology and anthropology departments at MAKÜ. In his statement, Özüdoğru used the following expressions:

“Our archaeology department, established in 2008, continues its educational life today with a large number of lecturers. Our education continues at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. The excavations and surface surveys conducted by our department's faculty members continue, especially focusing on Burdur. Since 2010, our excavations on behalf of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University have been continuing in Kibyra, located in the Gölhisar district. Kibyra, with its important and unique findings, is a large city that we strive to uncover with our team. When we first started the excavations, Kibyra was an unknown ancient city, but today it has become an archaeological site followed with interest on both national and international scales.”

Three Different Excavations and International Collaborations

Speaking about international collaborations, Özüdoğru continued his speech; “With the permissions and support of our Ministry of Culture and Tourism, we have three excavations being conducted in Burdur. The first is Kibyra, the second is in the Ancient City of Kremna in the Bucak district under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ayça Polat Beks, and the third is being conducted in the Ancient City of Sagalassos. I have been appointed as the Turkish coordinator for the Sagalassos excavations, and we will continue our work in collaboration with the Catholic University of Leuven.

There are three internationally participated excavations conducted under the leadership of MAKÜ Archaeology Department faculty members. Additionally, our faculty members continue surface surveys. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Eray Dökü, Uylupınar surface surveys covering Kibyra and its surroundings have been conducted for many years. Now, our professor Eray continues his research around Lake Salda. Prof. Dr. Ralf Beks is conducting the Şereföyük Komama surface surveys. With international collaborations, numerous articles, books, papers, and symposiums are organized in these areas.

Our excavation works are successfully carried out with the valuable contributions of our Ministry of Culture and Tourism's permissions and allowances, Burdur Governorship, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, and Gölhisar Municipality. In Kibyra Excavations and Research, expert scientists from different national and international universities are involved. Collaborations are made with universities such as Istanbul Technical University, Eskişehir Osman Gazi University, Akdeniz University, and Belgium's Leuven Catholic University.

These efforts to bring to light the historical texture of Burdur provide significant contributions to both the historical past and cultural heritage of the province. Additionally, they contribute to obtaining economic returns by increasing Burdur's tourism potential.” He said.