Discovering a thousand-year-old secret with a pickaxe, bringing an ancient temple to light, or reading Hittite tablets… How does that sound? Turkey is a paradise for archaeology; from the Hittites to the Romans, from Byzantium to the Ottomans, history lies around every corner. If you are interested in the past and dream of a career in this field, studying archaeology in Turkey is for you. Which universities stand out, what happens in excavations, what do graduates do? I explain it all in this guide, let’s get started!
The Best Universities with Archaeology Departments in Turkey
Although many universities in Turkey offer archaeology education, some stand out for their academic staff, fieldwork, and research opportunities. If you are considering studying archaeology in Turkey, it is important to carefully evaluate the opportunities offered by your chosen university. Here are the best universities in Turkey where you can study archaeology and the opportunities they offer:
Ankara University – One of Turkey’s Most Established Archaeology Departments
Ankara University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities offering archaeology education in Turkey. Founded in 1946, the Department of Archaeology at the Faculty of Language and History-Geography (DTCF) has a long-standing academic background.
- Featured Fields: Classical Archaeology, Protohistory and Asia Minor Archaeology, Prehistory
- Field Studies: Opportunity to actively participate in Alacahöyük and Hattusa excavations
- Research Facilities: University’s own museum and extensive academic archive
Studying archaeology at Ankara University provides a great advantage, especially for those who want to specialize in Hitites and Anatolian civilizations.
Istanbul University – Staff Specialized in Byzantine and Ottoman Archaeology
Istanbul University is one of the oldest educational institutions in Turkey, with scholars specialized in Byzantine and Ottoman archaeology. Thanks to its location in the heart of historic Istanbul, students have the opportunity to observe archaeological work in Turkey directly in the field.
- Featured Fields: Classical Archaeology, Protohistory, Byzantine and Ottoman Archaeology
- Field Studies: Participation in research projects in Byzantine buildings in Istanbul
- Research Facilities: University’s extensive library and archives
Istanbul University is an excellent choice, especially for those interested in excavations in the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Ege University – Standing Out with Excavation Projects and Field Studies
Ege University is one of the universities in Turkey with the highest number of excavations in the field of archaeology. Being located near Izmir and the surrounding ancient cities, students have great advantages in terms of fieldwork.
- Featured Fields: Classical Archaeology, Prehistory, Archaeometry
- Field Studies: Excavation projects in important ancient cities such as Ephesus, Smyrna and Claros
- Laboratory Facilities: Opportunity to participate in scientific analysis thanks to the archaeometry laboratory
If you want to specialize in Aegean and Mediterranean civilizations, the archaeology department of Ege University may be ideal for you.
Hacettepe University – Modern Laboratory and Interdisciplinary Studies
Hacettepe University is a university that emphasizes modern research methods and technological facilities in the field of archaeology education. The university encourages interdisciplinary studies and offers a suitable environment for students who want to conduct scientific analysis, especially in archaeological excavations.
- Featured Fields: Classical Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Archaeometry
- Research Opportunities: Laboratory analysis of archaeological materials
- Collaborations: Joint projects with many research centers in Turkey and abroad
Hacettepe University offers great advantages with its modern laboratories, especially for students interested in scientific analysis and archaeometry.
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University – Its Proximity to the Ancient City of Troy Provides a Great Advantage
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (ÇOMÜ) stands out with its proximity to world-famous ancient cities such as Troy and Assos. The opportunity to participate in excavations in this region offers students the opportunity to gain extensive experience in the field.
- Featured Fields: Classical Archaeology, Maritime Archaeology, Antiquities Conservation
- Field Studies: Chance to take an active role in excavation sites such as Troy, Assos and Parion
- International Collaborations: Opportunity to take part in joint projects with foreign archaeologists
If you want to study the legend of Troy and focus on the archaeology of Western Anatolia, ÇOMÜ may be one of the best options for you.
Excavations for Archaeology Students
Studying archaeology in Turkey is not just about classroom lectures. Students can put their theoretical knowledge into practice by gaining experience in real excavation sites. The main excavation sites in Turkey where archaeology students can participate are:
1. Göbeklitepe (Şanlıurfa) – The World’s Oldest Temple Complex
Göbeklitepe is considered a discovery that dates back 12,000 years and has changed what we know about human history. Discovered in 1994, this temple complex is of great interest as the oldest known worship center.
- Excavation: Archaeology students in Turkey can help excavate stone columns, reliefs and ritual sites at Göbeklitepe.
- Opportunities for Students: This is a unique research area especially for students interested in Neolithic archaeology.
- International Collaborations: Göbeklitepe excavations are carried out jointly with Turkey and international organizations such as the German Archaeological Institute.
For more information about Gobeklitepe, please visit UNESCO’s official website.
2. Ancient City of Ephesus (Izmir) – One of the Best Preserved Roman Cities
Ephesus is known as one of the most important commercial and cultural centers of Ancient Rome. Ephesus, one of the most visited ancient cities by tourists today, is also an important field study area for archaeology students.
- Excavations: Students have the opportunity to examine structures such as Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis, Great Theater.
- Opportunities for Students: Ephesus excavations are especially important for students interested in Roman and Hellenistic archaeology.
- Restoration and Conservation Studies: Restoration of historical artifacts after excavation is also an important area of research in Ephesus.
You can visit Ephesus Archaeology Museum’s official website to explore the ancient city of Ephesus in detail.
3. Troy (Çanakkale) – The Legendary City in Homer’s Epic
Troy (Troy) is the legendary city mentioned in Homerus’ Iliad. Discovered in the 19th century by German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, this ancient city is considered one of the most important excavation sites in the history of archaeology.
- Excavation: The layers at Troy contain examples of urbanization from different periods. Archaeology students can analyze structures from different periods here.
- Opportunities for Students: This is a great opportunity especially for students who want to study Bronze Age and Ancient Greek archaeology.
- International Collaborations: The Troy excavations are jointly conducted by institutions such as Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University and the German Archaeological Institute.
For more information about the ancient city of Troy, please visit Troya Museum’s official website.
4. Hattusa (Çorum) – Capital of the Hittites
Hattusha is known as the capital of the Hittite Empire and dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. This ancient city, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a great research area, especially for students who want to study the Hitite civilization.
- Excavations: The excavations in Hattusa include the study of Hittite cuneiform tablets, monumental structures and fortification remains.
- Opportunities for Students: It is an ideal field for students who want to specialize in Hittite history and language.
- Epigraphy and Cuneiform Studies: Thanks to the tablets found in Hattusa, students can conduct research on ancient languages and epigraphy.
For more information about Hattusa, please visit UNESCO’s Hattusa page.
5. Ani Ruins (Kars) – A Unique Archaeological Site from the Middle Ages
Ani Ruins is a city that served as the capital of the Armenian Bagratuni Kingdom in the Middle Ages. Located on the Turkish-Armenian border, this historical site is an important excavation site for students interested in research on Medieval architecture and trade routes.
- Excavations: Students can study structures from different periods, such as Ani Cathedral, Seljuk caravanserais and Zoroastrian temples.
- Opportunities for Students: This is a great opportunity especially for those who want to study Medieval archaeology, architectural history and art history.
- Restoration and Conservation Works:restoration and conservation works are as important as excavations in Ani Ruins.
For more information about the Ali Ruins, visit The official page of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Turkey How to Improve Yourself While Studying Archeology
Training in archaeology requires development not only in excavation, but also in academic and technical skills. You can follow these steps to make yourself stand out:
- Learn Ancient Languages – Languages like Latin, Greek, Hittite can be important in your academic studies.
- Go to Museums and Libraries – You can study historical documents in museums and research centers in Turkey.
- Join Archaeology Clubs – You can attend seminars and events through clubs at your university.
- Develop Your Technological Skills – 3D modeling, mapping and digital archiving techniques are becoming increasingly important in modern archaeology.
On UNESCO’s World Heritage List page, you can explore historical sites in Turkey and learn about field work.
Career Opportunities for Archaeology Graduates in Turkey
Archaeology graduates have a variety of job opportunities both in Turkey and internationally. Here are the main career options:
1. Archaeology in Turkey: Working in Museums and Cultural Institutions
Archaeology graduates can work in state and private museums in positions such as protection, exhibition and management of artifacts. Many important museums and cultural institutions in Turkey employ archaeologists:
- Topkapi Palace Museum – One of the most important museums where artifacts from the Ottoman period are exhibited.
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations – A prestigious world-class museum exhibiting archaeological finds from different regions of Turkey.
- Istanbul Archaeology Museum – It has a large collection of artifacts from ancient times.
- Ephesus Archaeology Museum – An important center where artifacts from the ancient city of Ephesus are exhibited.
Archaeologists can work in museums as collection management, conservation, restoration and museum guides. You can follow job postings in the field of museums and cultural heritage on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s official website.
2. Archaeology in Turkey: Taking Part in Excavation and Research Projects
Turkey is home to hundreds of excavation sites, so opportunities for archaeologists to work in the field are plentiful. In Turkey, excavations are generally carried out by universities, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, private research institutions and international collaborations.
After graduation you can participate in the following excavation projects:
- Troy (Çanakkale) – The famous ancient city mentioned in Homer’s Iliad.
- Göbeklitepe (Şanlıurfa) – The oldest known temple complex in the world.
- Ephesus (Izmir) – One of the most important port cities of the Roman period.
- Hattusha (Çorum) – The capital of the Hittites, this city is especially famous for its cuneiform tablets.
Excavation is not limited to digging. Graduates can also take part in scientific processes such as documentation, analysis and reporting of finds recovered from the ground.
3. Academic Career: Master’s and Doctorate
Archaeology graduates aiming for an academic career can become academics at universities by completing a master’s degree or doctorate. An academic career usually requires specialization in the following areas:
- Classical Archaeology (Ancient Greece and Rome)
- Protohistory and Archaeology of Asia Minor
- Prehistoria (Prehistoric Archaeology)
- Archeometry (Archaeological Studies with Scientific Methods)
Students who want to become academics usually apply for master’s and doctoral programs at Turkish or foreign universities.
Leading archaeology master’s and doctoral programs in Turkey:
- Ankara University, Faculty of Language and History-Geography
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Literature
- Ege University, Department of Archaeology
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Letters
The most prestigious universities in the field of archaeology abroad are:
- University of Oxford (UK)
- Harvard University (USA)
- University of Cambridge (UK)
- University of Rome La Sapienza (Italy)
If you are aiming for an academic career, attending international conferences, publishing and participating in research projects will be a great advantage.
4. Archaeology in Turkey: Tourism and Cultural Guidance
One of the most common fields that archaeology graduates work in is tourism and cultural guidance. Since Turkey has many regions rich in historical and cultural heritage, you can find jobs in companies that organize tours for tourists.
Archaeologists can be involved in the tourism sector in the following areas:
- Tourist guiding: You can work as a professional guide in historical sites.
- Cultural heritage management: You can work on the protection and promotion of cultural sites.
- Museum guidance and exhibition organization: You can inform visitors about the artifacts during museum tours.
To work in the tourism sector, it is necessary to obtain a Tourist Guide Certificate. For details, please visit the website of Turkey Tourist Guides Association (TUREB).
5. Archaeology in Turkey: Restoration and Conservation Works
Archaeologists may also specialize in the conservation and restoration of excavated artefacts. Restoration and conservation work usually consists of the following stages:
- Cleaning and preservation of artifacts
- Repair of damaged structures
- Opening archaeological sites for tourism
The organizations carrying out restoration and cultural heritage conservation work in Turkey are:
- T.C. Ministry of Culture and Tourism General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums
- Turkish Restoration and Conservation Central Laboratory
- UNESCO Cultural Heritage Protection Programs
You can apply to graduate programs specializing in restoration and conservation to contribute to the preservation of archaeological artifacts.
You can follow job postings for archaeology graduates on the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Advantages of Studying Archaeology in Turkey
There are many advantages to studying archaeology in Turkey:
- Proximity to Historic Sites – Access to the world’s most important excavation sites.
- Budget Friendly Education – More affordable education and living costs compared to Europe and the US.
- Expert Academics – Lectures given by expert archaeologists and historians in Turkey.
- International Projects – Turkey takes part in joint projects with foreign universities and researchers.
For more information about being a student in Turkey, visit roadtostudy.com.