An Example Application Training for Interdisciplinary Research in the Field of Earth Sciences: Geoarchaeology

Our Faculty Archaeology Department Faculty Member Dr. Lecturer Salih SOSLU, under the leadership of the project titled “An Example Application Training for Interdisciplinary Research in the Field of Earth Sciences: Geoarchaeology” within the scope of TÜBİTAK 2237-A Scientific Teaching Activities Support Program, which started on August 26, 2024, was completed as of August 31, 2024. In the organizing committee of the TÜBİTAK project, Prof. Dr. Yıldırım ATAYETER, Prof. Dr. Zafer GÖLEN, Dr. Lecturer Mahmut SARI, Dr. Lecturer Salih SOSLU, Dr. Efdal KAYA, Dr. Onur YAYLA and Dr. Uğur TOZKOPARAN took part. 

Project Leader Dr. Lecturer Salih SOSLU stated that the project progressed within the framework of field studies and related training at the ancient city of Boubon, and mentioned that they provided a working environment that included practical and theoretical aspects in geophysics, geology, geomorphology, geography, geographic information systems, photogrammetry, archaeology, drawing techniques in archaeology, history, and tourism to 15 participants who are experts in their fields from different universities and different fields such as archaeology, geography, geology, urban planning, and architecture. 

Providing information about the project's training, Project Leader SOSLU mentioned that respectively Prof. Dr. Yıldırım ATAYETER’s “General Geomorphology of the Ancient City of Boubon and Its Surroundings”, Prof. Dr. Zafer GÖLEN’s “Archaeological Studies in Turkey during the Modern and Contemporary Periods and Their Reflections Today”, Prof. Dr. Gülcan SARP’s “Image Enhancement in Remote Sensing”, Dr. Lecturer Mahmut SARI’s “Magnetic Vertical Gradiometer and GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar)”, Dr. Volkan ARI’s “Using Brunton Compass in Layered and Faulted Structures”, Dr. Onur YAYLA’s “Analysis and Interpretation of UAV Data with High-Resolution Data Production Techniques from UAV”, Dr. Ayşegül SOSLU’s “Drawing Techniques and Application Training in Archaeology Boubon”, Dr. Lecturer Salih SOSLU’s “Historical Geography of Pisidia-Lycia and Bronze Statues of the Ancient City of Boubon”, Dr. Uğur Tozkoparan’s “Archaeological Tourism Potential and Cultural Routes of the Ancient City of Boubon”, Specialist Mustafa ÇİDEM’s “Ancient Water Systems and the Example of Boubon” and Dr. Efdal KAYA’s “Basic QGIS Components: Vector and Raster Data Manipulation” provided practical and theoretical training and created an informative environment specific to the project's purpose and scope, which included descriptive, questioning, discussion, and analysis. 

Project Manager SOSLU stated that the selection of the ancient city of Boubon as the project subject was influenced by the recent efforts initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey to reclaim historical artifacts to the homeland, and this development became a topic of discussion in the fields of History, Geography, Geology, Culture and Tourism, especially Archaeology, with the return of some bronze artifacts belonging to Boubon that were smuggled abroad. Therefore, he expressed that the struggle initiated by our ministry could become much stronger with the increase of scientific studies on Boubon, like the project we are conducting. 

Project Leader SOSLU, addressing the geophysical, geographical, and archaeological context of the project, stated that within the scope of the project, the designated study locations in Boubon were analyzed in a more detailed and accurate manner using the techniques and methods of earth sciences disciplines; accordingly, in the geophysical studies conducted at the Stadion (?), Agora, Theatre, and Sebasteion, architectural structure remains and metallurgy samples were encountered. He stated that the structural remains and metallurgy detected underground through geophysical studies could provide clear and guiding information to archaeologists who will conduct excavation studies. He emphasized that the analysis results of the data here would be examined and discussed according to the scientific reports prepared by the trainers and later shared with the scientific world in an international publication. 

Project Leader SOSLU expressed that MAKÜ Yeşilova İsmail Akın Tourism Vocational School and the Lavender Hill Hotel SALDA, used as the school's application unit, hosted the project, stating that the vocational school classrooms were used for the project's theory lessons and the hotel section provided accommodation for the participants. On this occasion, Project Leader SOSLU thanked Burdur MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin DALGAR and the Administrative Management; Burdur MAKÜ Yeşilova İsmail Akın Tourism Vocational School Director Assoc. Dr. Mert GÜRLEK and Deputy Director Lecturer Dr. Uğur TOZKOPARAN for the facilities and working environment they provided for the project. He expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, and the Burdur Museum for enabling the project to be implemented in Boubon. He extended his thanks to the organizing committee that ensured the creation of the project; the scientific committee that supported the project, and the trainers who supported the project.