June 17-July 17, 2015

 Dr. Prof. A. Nejat Bilgen, Project Director

Dr. Peter F. Biehl and Laura Harrison, M.A., Field School Directors

 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 this important trade center, that linked east and west.

Seyitömer Höyük is an excellent example of an Early Bronze Age trading center, because 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. Current excavations are unearthing multiple classes of well-preserved EBIII remains.

The 2015 field season will offer students an opportunity to participate in the rescue excavation and develop expertise in a laboratory specialty. Students will work closely with a large team of Turkish archaeologists, including professors, graduate students, and workers, and will have the opportunity to earn academic credit through their home institution.

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 beautiful 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 archaeology museum, 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 2016, 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.

Laboratory Experience:

Students will have the opportunity to sign up for a laboratory specialty in which they will have an intensive, internship-like experience working under the supervision of expert Turkish students. Available specializations are: ceramic reconstruction, artifact drawing, and architectural drawing, including three-dimensional reconstruction of archaeological remains. Students already possessing a specialized skill may discuss an independent project, with permission of the Field School Director.

Accommodation:

During their time in Turkey, students will live and dine together at the Excavation House adjacent to the archaeological site, which is 30km away from the city of Kütahya. Turkish cooks will prepare 2 traditional Turkish meals per day (students prepare their own breakfast). Students will have the opportunity to make regular trips to Kütahya for shopping and cultural activities, in addition to the scheduled excursions.

Admission Requirements:

Applications are welcome from undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at any accredited college or university with an interest in anthropology, archaeology, art history, cultural heritage studies, history, museum studies, art, or related fields. A minimum overall GPA of 2.7 is required for admission into the program for US students. International students must submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member familiar with their work. Academic credit is available by prior arrangement through the student’s home university.

Estimated Costs:

All students who participate in the Seyitömer Hoyük Excavation Project will pay a Program Fee of $1900 that covers their room and board at the Excavation House, a round trip private charter bus to/from Istanbul, and local bus transportation for weekend excursions. Delicious, traditional Turkish meals are provided three times per day at the Excavation House during the week (M-F). On excursions, students are responsible for purchasing their own meals. Additional expenses include round trip airfare, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and personal expenses.

Deadline for Applications:

November 15, 2014

For further details and to register, please contact

Laura Harrison at laurahar@buffalo.edu.