Research

Seyitömer Höyük Excavation Project

American Archaeological Institute Project Page

Location and Project Description

The archaeological site of
Seyitömer Höyük is located within the Kütahya
region of western Turkey, 350 kilometers south of Istanbul, at an important
juncture between the Mesopotamian and Mediterranean worlds. The development of
advanced metal technology fueled commerce between these distant regions as
early as 3,000 B.C., leading to the establishment of important trade centers
linking east and west.

The best-preserved example of
such a center is Seyitömer Höyük, where thousands of artifacts and dozens of
pottery and textile workshops paint a vivid picture of village life from the
Early Bronze Age through the Roman period. The 2014 field season will offer
students an opportunity to learn archaeological method and theory in a hands-on
environment, while excavating part of this extraordinary Early Bronze Age
settlement.

This
program seeks to introduce students to archaeological fieldwork by teaching
them essential methods and theories of excavation at a remarkable
archaeological site in Turkey during the summer of 2014. This program will provide intensive instruction in
excavation techniques, complemented by lectures and laboratory practicums led
by established scholars, lecturers, and professors from UB and Dumlupinar
University, in Turkey. Students will engage in a rich, multicultural experience
while living, dining, and studying at the Excavation House and Laboratory
complex, where they will interact with Turkish students and scholars on a daily
basis.

Excursions
and Extracurricular Activities

This field school will
introduce students to the vibrant cultural landscape of Kütahya, past and present. Students will learn about
the exquisite glazed ceramics that this region is famous for during an
excursion to the Kütahya Tile Museum, and will
view a spectacular panorama of the modern city from the Kütahya Castle. They will visit the Kütahya Archaeological Museum to see artifacts found
at Seyitömer Höyük, and will take day trips to the Eskisehir and Ayfon
archaeology museums, to gain a broader perspective on cultural activity in the
region. Students will also visit the ancient Roman city of Aizanoi, with
remains of a temple, stadium, and bath complex.

Qualified guides and
lecturers will lead all excursions, offering expert education and insight into
the history and culture of Turkey. The lecture program consists of
presentations, seminars, and discussions with local and international
specialists and includes all facets of archaeology, anthropology, and history.
Students will be exposed to the rich and fascinating culture of Turkey, and
have the opportunity to meet scholars and students as they participate in this
truly international, interdisciplinary and multi-cultural program.

Cultural Heritage Management

The archaeological site of Seyitömer Höyük is situated on top of a
12 million ton coal reserve. Beginning in 2015, a private company will extract
this coal, and the archaeological site will be permanently destroyed. Students
in this field school will have the opportunity excavate and document
archaeological material from this threatened site, which will make a lasting
contribution to archaeology. In addition, they will gain firsthand experience
with the ethical issues surrounding cultural heritage management.

 

Accomodation

During their time in Turkey, students will live and dine at the
Excavation House adjacent to the archaeological site, which is 10km away from
the city of Kütahya. Turkish cooks will
prepare 3 delicious, traditional Turkish meals per day. Students will have the
opportunity to make regular trips to Kütahya
for shopping and cultural activities, in addition to the scheduled excursions.