Palaeolithic research in Anatolia -history, problems and perspectives-

Abstract

The main purpose of this thesis is to try to evaluate Palaeolithic archaeology according to the academic atmosphere in Turkey and its current situation independent from the events which lie in its background. The Palaeolithic Period covers the first and the longest period of human history. The development of the discipline in both practical and theoretical aspects began in the first quarter of 19th century in Europe. In Turkey, however, it was only a century later that this discipline became popular. This thesis explores the research history of Palaeolithic archaeology in Turkey and the current status of the discipline, which began in the 1930s under the auspices of the government with the objective of forming and strengthening a national identity. Within this context, academic analysis was based on the data of material culture; this research then played an important role in constructing a local chronology. In this thesis, the current state of the discipline is also considered. The history and problems encountered during the emergence of this academic discipline are addressed. Inspections of both European and Turkish research agenda, as well as the academic education policies are evaluated and compared. Efforts of public education with the goal of increasing awareness of Palaeolithic Archaeology are also analyzed. Lastly the applicability and contribution of these research projects and publication disseminating Palaeolithic archaeology analyzed and presented.