This has been one of the most interesting programs I have ever been on. From the culture to the language barrier to the diverse group of people in our class to the unique work we were doing on a daily basis, it is almost impossible to really capture in words what this project was. We usually jokingly sum it up as an archaeology dig where you are constantly dirty, sweaty and hot and just scrape dirt off of more dirt all day with a diet consisting of mainly bread. And more bread. People say there always is a little bit of truth in every joke told. So while at times I did feel like I was in the book/movie “Holes,” I did gain a lot from this dig and I’m so thrilled that I decided to join Howe this summer in Turkey.
One thing that I definitely learned was how much work goes on before an artifact shows up in a museum. I knew that, yeah, they had to dig it up, clean it, set it up but after being on this excavation, I realized the complexity and delicacy of excavating and publishing finds. I definitely have more respect for archaeologists and the patience and resiliency they must have in order to be in this field. I wasn’t aware of the pressure from media and the politics of archaeology. I remember one day we were trying to erect the columns in our street and by lunch time we already had a news team calling and asking about it even though we told no one about it. I remember feeling annoyed by the pestering and pressure. I also learned that Turks are incredible drivers but totally crazy as well. We made it in and out of places that I never believed we even had a chance driving through. So I give them props! Oh, and I learned you can never eat too much bread. I think we each probably ate at least a loaf of bread a day and we never got sick of it.
One of the most memorable experiences was just seeing the unbelievable transformation on the acropolis. I’m still blown away at how different it looks now from day 1. I will never forget the grueling work we put into excavating that site but also the care that went into it and the respect everyone had for the history and stories we were uncovering. Even after working up there for 5 weeks, it’s still hard to wrap my head around the fact that we were standing in people’s houses, churches, and work places. We could have been the first people to touch buildings, walls, worked stone, coins, etc that no one else has touched or seen for about 1500 years. That’s crazy. It’s weird how you can be so close to history, literally holding it in your very own hands, but still be so far from understanding it. It’s frustrating but exciting. Howe said he liked Archaeology because it was like a puzzle and I totally agree. It’s confusing and frustrating but once you start to make connections and put parts together there is no better feeling. I think this trip made me more curious and a better thinker.
It’s cool to be on the “first witness” side of history too. You obtain a more holistic view on the artifact or subject and the meaning of it. Being on an excavation means you get to see where stuff came from, what it was next to, how it was excavated and what condition is was in before it got all cleaned up for show. I feel like I understood what things were and how they were used better than if I just read about it in a textbook or museum because I saw them in their original, natural context.
So, for all of you reading this that are just dying to go on an archaeology dig in Turkey now, listen up. Pack things you don’t mind getting filthy and maybe never being able to wear again. Pack sunscreen. And then pack more sunscreen. That dorky, wide-brimmed sun hat your dad has, bring it. Bring a good camera because Turkey is gorgeous. Bring an open mind and a willingness to try new things. Bring fears that you want to overcome. Make sure you brush up on your Turkish culture and customs. Make sure to bring a swimsuit that won’t fly off when you go jumping off cliffs at Pirate Cove. Bring good shoes, you walk everywhere. Learn to deal with being sweaty for the majority of the day. Bring patience and flexibility because there are no set plans or time schedules in Turkey. Go to the restaurants were all the locals are at, those are the best ones. Eat Köfte, Schnitzel, and Baklava. And try the ice cream and peaches, you will fall in love with them. And make sure you learn how to say “so-so” in Turkish. I’m not even going to attempt to spell it out but it is the most fun word to say.
I learned so much and I would definitely consider doing archaeology again. You would not believe how much more I learned from a month of hands-on work than if I was to take a semester long course on “How to do Archaeology.” I’m so much more confident in my ability to talk about this time period we were working with. I enjoyed the hands-on, experiential learning that went on and loved it way more than just sitting in a classroom or reading a textbook. If you love something or have a passion for a certain topic, go out and learn about it first hand. Or if you just want to go on an adventure somewhere, do it. You won’t regret it and you may even find new passions that you never knew you had. And you meet some pretty amazing people along the way that impact your life and perspective on things more than you realize.
