MAKU Archaeology Department Continues to Unearth the Historical Texture of Burdur

The faculty members of the Department of Archaeology at Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKU) in Burdur continue their efforts to uncover the historical texture of Burdur. 

The excavation works started in the ancient city of Kibyra in 2006 have been carried out by a team led by Prof. Dr. Şükrü Özüdoğru, a faculty member of the MAKU Department of Archaeology, since 2010. The faculty members and students of MAKU are making great efforts in the works to uncover the Odeion (Music House), Stadion (Stadium) and Agora (Marketplace) structures in the ancient city of Kibyra, located in the Gölhisar district.

The excavations carried out by MAKU faculty members not only contribute to the preservation and promotion of historical and cultural heritage, but also contribute to economic development by increasing the tourism potential of the region with the importance MAKU gives to social contribution. In addition, the participation of university students in field studies provides a significant contribution to their academic and professional development. Students reinforce their knowledge and skills with practical training opportunities. These studies 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

Prof. Dr. Şükrü Özüdoğru, a faculty member of the MAKU Department of Archaeology, made statements about the works carried out in the ancient city of Kibyra. Özüdoğru emphasized that they provide on-site learning opportunities with internships and applications in the field for students who prefer archaeology and anthropology departments at MAKU. Özüdoğru used the following expressions in his statement:

“Our archaeology department, which was established in 2008, continues its educational life with many faculty members today. Our education continues at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Excavations and surface research conducted by our department faculty members continue mainly in Burdur. Since 2010, our excavations on behalf of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University have been continuing in Kibyra, located in the Gölhisar district. We strive to reveal a big city with important and unique findings in Kibyra with our team. Kibyra, which was an unknown ancient city when we first started excavations, has become an archaeological site followed with interest at national and international scale today.”

Three Different Excavations and International Collaborations

Özüdoğru, who also mentioned international collaborations, continued his speech; “We have three excavations in Burdur with the permission and support of our Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The first one is in Kibyra, the second one is in the ancient city of Kremna in the Bucak district under the presidency of Prof. Dr. Bilgi Ayça Polat Becks, and the third one is carried out in the ancient city of Sagalassos. I was appointed as the Turkish coordinator for the Sagalassos excavations and we will continue our studies in cooperation with the Catholic University of Leuven.

There are three international participatory excavations conducted under the presidency of the faculty members of the MAKU Department of Archaeology. In addition, our faculty members continue their surface research. Prof. Dr. Eray Dökü conducted Uylupınar surface research covering Kibyra and its surroundings for many years. Now, our teacher Eray continues his research in Salda Lake and its surroundings. Prof. Dr. Ralf Becks conducts Şereföyük Komama surface research. Numerous articles, books, papers and symposiums are organized in these areas with international collaborations.

Our excavation works are successfully carried out with the valuable contributions of our Ministry of Culture and Tourism, our Burdur Governorship, our Mehmet Akif Ersoy University and our Gölhisar Municipality, especially the permission and appropriations of our Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Expert scientists from different universities at national and international level are working in Kibyra Excavations and Research. Collaborations are made with universities such as Istanbul Technical University, Eskişehir Osman Gazi University, Akdeniz University and the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium.

These studies carried out to uncover the historical texture of Burdur make significant contributions to both the historical past and cultural heritage of the province. In addition, it contributes to obtaining economic returns by increasing the tourism potential of Burdur.” he said.