Overview

Offering a study of archaeological heritage in Turkey, this book shows the alternative ways that the public relates to the past and its remains. Within the theoretical framework of public archaeology, Isilay Gürsu brings together the results of decade-long projects – based on quantitative and qualitative research – to show how communities interact with the archaeological past. Generally speaking, the public is viewed as an obstacle to be overcome by the experts and authorities, but Gürsu shows how local communities can be potential allies in the safeguarding of heritage assets. Furthermore, Public Dialogues in Archaeology challenges the notion that intellectual knowledge is a prerequisite for the appreciation of archaeological history, and presents an understanding of the past that works at a somatic, sensory and emotional level. The result is a study that gives voice to different social groups that have often been silent, silenced or misunderstood in official reports and authorised publications. In this novel approach, Gürsu concentrates on the ‘public’ within public archaeology.

Full Product Details

Author:   Isilay Gürsu (British Institute at Ankara, Turley)
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint:   Bloomsbury Academic
ISBN:  

9781350547308

ISBN 10:   1350547301
Pages:   264
Publication Date:   11 June 2026
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations Acknowledgements List of Abbreviations Part I: Setting the scene Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Publics, archaeologies and ways of asking Part II: Archaeology, ruins and society in Turkey Chapter 3: Understanding of archaeology and archaeological assets Chapter 4: Engagement with archaeological landscapes Chapter 5: Attitudes on the communality of ruins Part III: Living by the ruins Chapter 6: Everydayness of living by the ruins Chapter 7: Perceptions of the contemporary dwellers in archaeological landscapes Part IV: Outlying practices Chapter 8: ‘No need to be a museum guard to protect the past’ Chapter 9: ‘Why I quit Digging’: repentant diggers and treasure-hunting culture Part V: ‘Knowing in our bones’ Chapter 10: A gaze into public understanding of archaeology in Turkey Notes Bibliography Index

Reviews

Archaeology plays a significant part in the lives of citizens around the globe, yet each individual’s encounter with the past may be distinct and different. This ground-breaking book provides a wealth of data and insight into a range of different perspectives from across a wide spectrum of members of the public in Turkey. It is essential reading for students and practitioners interested in more meaningful public participation in the stewardship of archaeological resources. * Reuben Grima, Associate Professor, University of Malta *

Author Information

Isilay Gürsu is Assistant Director at the British Institute at Ankara, Turley. She is the editor of Public Archaeology: Theoretical Approaches and Current Practices (2018).

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