Bilkent University has taken over the management of the Sagalassos excavations in Burdur, which had been led by KU Leuven for 35 years. The Sagalassos Archaeological Research Project, a leading interdisciplinary initiative, aims to further its exploration of the ancient city of Sagalassos in southwest Türkiye. Nestled in the Taurus Mountains near Ağlasun, Sagalassos thrived as a major center in the Pisidia region during the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods, reaching its peak in the Roman Imperial era (1st–3rd centuries CE).
Founded in the 1980s by Belgian archaeologist Prof. Marc Waelkens of KU Leuven, the project has grown into a model for multidisciplinary research. Led by Asst. Prof. Peter Talloen, chair of Bilkent’s Department of Archaeology, it brings together experts from Bilkent, KU Leuven, Koç University and Brussels University, along with international specialists. The team is dedicated to uncovering Sagalassos’ rich history, preserving its monuments and studying its environmental and cultural context.
The Sagalassos Project integrates archaeology, environmental science and heritage conservation. Excavations focus on urban spaces, including the Roman Baths, the Upper Agora and monumental fountains, while landscape studies examine terraced farming, water management and historical climate change. Architectural conservation efforts aim to restore key structures, such as the Antonine Nymphaeum, enhancing the visitor experience.
Research on material culture, from pottery to inscriptions, provides insights into daily life and trade networks, while bioarchaeologists and paleoenvironmental scientists analyze human, animal and plant remains to reconstruct ancient diets, health and ecological changes.
Bilkent University’s strong programs in archaeology, engineering and computer science bring new dimensions to the project. Students and researchers will contribute expertise in Anatolian history, excavation techniques and digital archaeology, including advanced imaging, 3D modeling and virtual reconstructions.
A key asset in this collaboration is Bilkent’s UNAM, which will analyze ancient artifacts using techniques such as X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. This will deepen the understanding of Sagalassos’ material culture, aid in artifact authentication and refine conservation methods.
Additionally, the Bilkent Computer Center (BCC) will support the project by managing large-scale archaeological datasets, ensuring the secure storage and accessibility of excavation records, GIS maps and artifact databases.
This partnership will provide hands-on fieldwork opportunities for students while fostering public engagement through workshops, conferences and digital exhibitions. The use of interactive technologies, such as virtual reality, could make Sagalassos more accessible to global audiences.
With a shared commitment to sustainability and heritage preservation, the collaboration also aims to support the local Ağlasun community by promoting responsible archaeological tourism, ensuring that cultural heritage remains both protected and beneficial to the region.
By combining Bilkent University’s academic and technological strengths with ongoing archaeological research, this partnership promises to enhance the study, conservation and public appreciation of one of Türkiye’s most remarkable ancient cities.