Turkey: Elmali Excavation (IFR)

Location: Elmalı, Antalya, Türkiye

Season: June 9, 2024 to August 11, 2024

Session Dates: 2 sessions in 2024 S1: June 9-July 9 S2: July 14-August 11

Application Deadline: December 15, 2023

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/turkey-elmali/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research (IFR), Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences, Istanbul Technical University

Project Director:
Dr. Bülent Arıkan

Project Description:

In the Near East, there were many rapid past climatic changes, which brought significant socio-economic and political transformations. Past human societies dealt with these changes while causing anthropogenic changes in the same environment. The research on the Elmalı Plain will focus on reconstructing the past environmental conditions in the region along with possible rapid climate change events. Then, we will explore when and how human groups that inhabited Hacımusalar Mound might have adapted to such changes. Adaptive behaviors may include changes in land use patterns, resource extraction, social organization, and other socio-economic transformations. When these patterns are reconstructed at high spatio-temporal resolution across the Plain, simulating the socio-ecological dynamics will be possible.

Hacımusalar is a multi-period archaeological settlement in the Elmalı Plain of SW Turkey. The region still follows traditional agro-pastoral lifeway yet experiencing all the problems related to rapid climate change and anthropogenic degradation of its environment. Previous excavations at the Mound revealed major architectural remains such as fortification walls, houses and churches. The new phase of field work focuses on the long-term evolution of socio-ecological dynamics on the Plain. Using the long and complex archaeological record obtained from the Mound, researchers will dedicate the next decade to understand the time-transgressive patterns in human-environment interactions.

Field methods (geophysics, geology, paleobotany, remote sensing, etc.) that complement archaeological research make EFSG a unique setting to learn about the past human-environment interactions through active participation while learning about the current climate crisis and how it impacts communities with traditional lifeways.

Period(s) of Occupation: Multi-period: Byzantine, Iron Age, Early Bronze

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Students are expected to stay the full length of one session.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: none

Room and Board Arrangements:
The Excavation House is a three-story structure with a large yard in the front. It is situated at the center of Elmalı in a residential neighborhood. Students will sleep on bunkbeds in shared rooms that may have up to 4 bunkbeds. There is a shower/restroom on each floor, and additional showers and and restrooms on the ground floor. The house also contains study areas both inside and outside. We also have outdoor study areas. All rooms have proper ventilation (windows, balconies) and lighting. The cost of all meals is included in the program fee; however, students will be responsible for purchasing their own meals if they choose to travel on Sunday evening and Monday. Food will not be served at the Excavation House on Sunday (dinner) and Monday (breakfast and lunch) as the cook will be taking day off as well. The kitchen and the fridge are open to students during these times. Alternatively, you may visit one of many restaurants at the town. Monday dinner is a communal event and the team is expected to be present at the dinner table. We are providing halal Mediterranean cuisine and we can accommodate vegetarian diet. We cannot accommodate Vegan, Kosher, high protein or other types of diets.

Academic Credit:
8 semester ( 12 quarter0