Archaeology

The Department of Archaeology aims to offer an educational approach shaped by innovative theoretical and methodological applications in archaeology, art history, visual culture, cultural heritage management, and museology.

About

Our department provides students with a strong foundation in understanding historical and cultural values while also equipping them with the skills to apply this knowledge in practice. With a multidisciplinary approach, we utilize various disciplines, including the history of art and architecture, as well as digital archaeology, cultural and physical anthropology, history, philology, geology, and other natural sciences, to provide in-depth studies of archaeology and art history.

Our department views interest in archaeology not only as a means of understanding the historical past but also as a process that shapes the cultural identities of societies by preserving and transmitting this heritage to the future. While archaeology is a fascinating and exploratory field for many, the relatively small number of professionals trained in this field in our region allows our department to assume the responsibility of filling a significant gap in this field.

The Department of Archaeology aims to train professionals who will contribute to societies in preserving and developing their cultural heritage through education in this field. Studying archaeology and art history in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of different periods in history deeply. Drawing on the historical richness of the island of Cyprus, our department offers students a broad perspective with its curriculum, focusing on diverse geography and historical contexts, and its extensive library. Furthermore, the hands-on training provided by field studies conducted in the original settings of ancient artifacts and archaeological sites provides our students with exciting experiences integrating theoretical knowledge with practice. To this end, the department provides students with the opportunity to participate in projects led by academics, such as the “Aphendrika” project, which aims to trace, document, and analyze artifacts and findings from Prehistory to Late Antiquity in the Karpaz Peninsula of Cyprus.

This not only provides students with academic knowledge but also equips them with the skills to conduct archaeological research and excavations. The education offered by the Department of Archaeology plays a crucial role in preserving, analyzing, and passing on the region’s cultural heritage to future generations.

The program offers career opportunities in museums, heritage management, and conservation, as well as archaeology. It also provides career opportunities in various art history-related fields, companies with cultural and arts departments, and publishing institutions. Students pursuing postgraduate studies can pursue careers as academics.

Programme Type

Bachelor Degree

Duration

4 Years

Head of Department

Asst. Prof. Dr. Merve Senem Arkan

Quick Links

Academic Staff

1. SEMESTER			T	P	L	K	A
ARHA	101	History of Art: An Introduction	2	2		3	5
ARHA	103	Archaeology: An Introduction	2	2		3	5
ARHA	105	Cypriot and Anatolian Archaeology I	2	2		3	6
ARHA	107	The Ancient Middle East	2	2		3	5
INAD	109	Ancient Egypt	2	2	0	3	5
SOFL	101	Academic English 1	3	0	0	3	4

2. SEMESTER			T	P	L	K	A
ARHA	102	Methods and Theories in Archaeology (prerequisite: ARHA 103)	2	2		3	5
ARHA	104	Cypriot and Anatolian Archaeology II	2	2		3	6
ARHA	106	Ancient Egypt	2	2		3	5
ARHA	108	The Aegean	2	2		3	5
ARHA	110	Ancient Greece	2	2		3	5
SOFL	102	Academic English 2	0	0	0	3	4
ARHA	112	Summer Internship 1	3	0		0	5

3. SEMESTER			T	P	K	A
ARHA	201	Cypriot and Anatolian Archaeology III	2	2	3	6
ARHA	203	Ancient Rome	2	2	3	5
ARHA	205	Late Antique and Byzantine Civilization, Architecture and Art	2	2	3	5
ARHA	207	The Architecture and Art of Islamic Civilizations	2	2	3	5
ARHA	209	Early to High Medieval Architecture and Art	2	2	3	5
TUDI/TURK	201	Turkish Language I	2	0	2	2
AITT/HIST	201	History of Ataturk Principles and Revolutions I	2	0	2	2

4. SEMESTER			T	P	K	A
ARHA	202	Early Renaissance in Italy	3	0	3	4
ARHA	204	High Renaissance and Mannerism in Italy	3	0	3	4
ARHA	206	Baroque to Neoclassicism	3	0	3	4
ARHA	208	Romanticism to Post-Modernism	3	0	3	4
		Faculty Elective 1			3	5
ARHA	210	Summer Internship 2	0	0	0	5
TUDI/TURK	202	Turkish Language II	2	0	2	2
AITT/HIST	202	History of Ataturk Principles and Revolutions II	2	0	2	2

5. SEMESTER			T	P	K	A
ARHA	301	Modern Architecture and Art, 19^th century to 1960s	2	2	3	5
ARHA	303	Museums and Art I	2	2	3	5
		Faculty Elective 2			3	5
		Faculty Elective 3			3	5
		Department Elective 1			3	5
		Department Elective 2			3	5

6. SEMESTER			T	P	K	A
ARHA	306	Exhibition Design	1	2	2	3
ARHA	302	Museums and Art II	2	2	3	5
INDD	308	Virtual and Augmented Reality Studio	1	2	2	2
		University Elective 1			3	5
		Department Elective 3			3	5
		Department Elective 4			3	5
ARHA	304	Summer Internship 3	0	0	0	5

7. SEMESTER			T	P	K	A
ARHA	401	Theory and History of Art History	2	2	3	5
ARHA	403	Technical Drawing	1	4	3	5
ARHA	405	Advanced Documentation Techniques	1	4	3	5
ARHA	407	Curating Art	2	2	3	5
		Department Elective 5			3	5
		Faculty Elective 4			3	5

8. SEMESTER			T	P	K	A
ARHA	402	Graduation Project thesis	2	8	6	10
ARHA	404	Management of Cultural Heritage	2	2	3	5
ARHA	406	Contemporary Architecture and Art
		Faculty Elective 5			3	5
		University Elective 2			3	5

LESSONS

ARHA 101 History of Art: An Introduction (2-2) 3

Broad introduction to the study of visual expression in different world cultures and time periods. Case studies about specific works of art are used to instruct students about the different ways that art historical theory can be applied to the analysis of a work of art/architecture. Research and academic writing skills are a key component.

ARHA 103 Archaeology: An Introduction (2-2) 3

Introduction to the discipline of archaeology. Emergence of archaeology as a discipline and its historical evolution, methods of discovery and research, major excavations and discoveries that are critical for understanding ancient civilizations.

ARHA 105 Cypriot and Anatolian Archaeology I (2-2) 3

Study of the prehistoric and later periods of the ancient civilizations of Cyprus and Anatolia. Important human social developments in the past, such as settlement organization and architecture, religion, economy, trade and artistic expression in the Middle, and Late and Late Bronze Age and Iron Age.

ARHA 107 The Ancient Middle East (2-2) 3

Examination of the first cities and states in the world and the earliest written records of human history. Study of the civilizations of the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians and Assyrians through archaeological remains and historical sources.

INAD 109 Research Methods and Discourses (2-2) 3

The course introduces a systematic approach to conducting research, from developing a research question via critically reading scholarly texts to writing own scholarly texts. It introduces general methodologies of research and discusses a broad spectrum of disciplines which might be used as specific methods/tools in design-related research, such as philosophy, sociology and anthropology.

ARHA 102 Methods and Theories in Archaeology (Prerequisite: ARHA 103) (2-2) 3

Examines the different theoretical approaches to archaeology and the methods and theories employed in fieldwork and data analysis. Contemporary issues in archaeology and how the purpose and subject of archaeology has changed over time. Archaeology’s relationship with other social and natural sciences. Topics include: survey and excavation methods and associated recording techniques, the instrumental analysis and interpretation of various kinds of excavated materials, and the presentation and publication of archaeological results.

ARHA 104 Cypriot and Anatolian Archaeology II (2-2) 3

Introduction to the material culture of the Hellenistic and Roman periods of Cyprus and Anatolia. Settlements and settlement patterns, architecture, art, religion, trade and cultural interactions. The most important archaeological remains of these periods.

ARHA 106 Ancient Egypt (2-2) 3

An archaeological survey of ancient Egyptian civilization. Prehistoric Egypt, Old and Middle Kingdom periods, the Hyksos invasions, the New Kingdom era and the Amarna diplomacy, decline of Egypt, Hellenistic period and Alexander the Great, Roman control and the rise of Coptic Christianity.

ARHA 108 The Aegean (2-2) 3

Art and archaeology of the Aegean during the Bronze Age. This course analyzes the art, history, architecture and material culture of Western Anatolia, Mainland Greece, the Aegean Islands, Crete and Cyprus during the Bronze Age (ca. 3000-1090 BC). Early-Late Helladic Material culture, art and architecture; Cycladic art and its origin, Minoan palaces and art; Mycenaean citadels; Bronze Age of Western Anatolia.

ARHA 110 Ancient Greece (2-2) 3

Overview of the development of ancient Greece from the Bronze Age (ca. 3000 BC) to the Roman conquest (1st century BC), based on written sources and material evidence. Urbanistic processes, art and architecture as expressions of political, socio-economic and religious evolutions that defined ancient Greek society. Concentrates on the Greek Mainland and other areas under Greek influence, including South Italy/Sicily, Cyprus and Anatolia, in their broader Mediterranean and Near Eastern context.

ARHA 112 Internship (0-0) 0

Fieldwork/internship of a minimum four-week duration during the summer term under the supervision of an advisor. Fieldwork can include archaeological excavations, assisting in restoration and conservation projects, archival or museum study, working in cultural institutions and heritage projects in Cyprus, Turkey or abroad.

ARHA 201 Cypriot and Anatolian Archaeology III (2-2) 3

Study of the material culture of the Byzantine period of Cyprus and Anatolia. Settlements and settlement patterns, architecture, art, religion, trade and cultural interactions. The most important archaeological remains of this period.

ARHA 203 Ancient Rome (2-2) 3

Overview of the development of ancient Rome from the 8th century BC to AD 476, based on written sources and material evidence. Urbanistic processes, art and architecture as expressions of political, socio-economic and religious evolutions that defined ancient Roman society. Concentrates on the Roman heartland and Mediterranean areas under Roman influence.

ARHA 205 Late Antique and Byzantine Civilization, Architecture and Art (2-2) 3

Introduction to the origins, development and enduring legacy of Late Antique and Byzantine civilization. The course traces the transformation of the ancient world and the emergence and role of Byzantium as a major political, religious, economic and cultural power in Europe and Near East. Includes a comprehensive chronological survey of the various monuments of Early Christian and Byzantine art, spanning from the earliest surviving traces of Christian art and architecture in the city of Rome and the eastern provinces of the Late Roman Empire to the art and architecture of the Late Byzantine Empire in Constantinople and the Balkans.

ARHA 207 The Architecture and Art of Islamic Civilizations (2-2) 3

Survey of the art and architecture of the Umayyad, Abbasids, Fatamids, Mongols, Seljuks, Timurids, Safavids, Mughals, and Ottomans. The period from the foundation of the Ottoman Empire to the founding of the Turkish Republic is given special emphasis.

ARHA 209 Early to High Medieval Architecture and Art (2-2) 3

This course focuses on the architecture and art from the Early to High Middle Ages, including Cyprus. It provides a framework through a chronological survey, covering (interior) architecture, sculpture, painting, furniture, being linked to the cultural, political, religious, socio-economic and technological contexts and their agents. The course builds up a sound knowledge of key monuments and of works of art. It develops the necessary skills to diagnose stylistic trends of the design and art of the mentioned cultures and/or periods, and to define their characteristics, such as typology, iconography, material and technique.

ARHA 202 Early Renaissance in Italy (2-2) 3

This study-unit discusses the great awakening of the visual arts in Italy beginning with Nicola Pisano in the late 13th century to the maturity of the Renaissance in the 15th century. The pivotal issues of Humanism and Humanity are taken into special consideration with reference to central works by Donatello, Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Alberti and other Quattrocento artists.

ARHA 204 High Renaissance and Mannerism in Italy (2-2) 3
Painting, sculpture, and architecture in Italy in a period of unprecedented achievements which lie at the root of Baroque and subsequent developments. Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and the great Venetians receive special consideration.

ARHA 206 Baroque to Neo-Classicism (2-2) 3

Art, architecture and the visual culture of the Baroque, Rococo and Neo-classicism. The political symbolism of art, the nature of patronage, how art and architecture inform our understanding of the past.

ARHA 208 Romanticism to Post-Modernism (2-2) 3

Art, architecture and the visual culture of Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, of the 20th-century Modern and Post-Modern art and architectural movements. The political symbolism of art, the nature of patronage, how art and architecture inform our understanding of the past.

ARHA 210 Internship 2 (0-0) 0

ARHA 301 Modern Architecture and Art, 19th century to 1960s (2-2) 3

This course focuses on modern architecture and art, ranging from the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment to the beginning of the postmodern era. It provides a framework through a chronological survey, covering (interior) architecture, sculpture, painting, furniture, being linked to the cultural, political, religious, socio-economic and technological contexts and their agents. The course builds up a sound knowledge of key monuments and of works of design and art. It develops the necessary skills to diagnose stylistic trends of the design and art of the mentioned timeframe, and to define their characteristics, such as typology, iconography, material and technique. Finally, it introduces modern theories of design/architecture, enhancing the students’ reflective critical assessment.

ARHA 303 Museums and Art I (2-2) 3

Introduction to museum studies in theory and practice. Beginnings of museums and their historical evolution, the changing roles and purposes of the museum, collection management, exhibition design, interpretation and communication, conservation issues, public outreach and community involvement.

ARHA 302 Museums and Art II (2-2) 3

The changing roles and purposes of the museum, collection management, exhibition design, interpretation and communication, conservation issues, public outreach and community involvement. National and international legislation concerning museums, codes of ethics and international conventions.

ARHA 304 Internship 3 (0-0) 0

ARHA 306 Exhibition Design (1-2) 2

This course investigates the considerations involved in exhibition design starting from initial concept and research to developing an installation model. Students explore a range of presentation strategies and examine how various design solutions affect the visitor experience. Careful consideration is given to the dynamics between the objects, the institution, and the audience. Studio work, discussions, and projects will address the challenges facing historical and contemporary exhibition requirements of today. Concerns related to physical and intellectual accessibility are addressed.

INDD 308 Virtual and Augmented Reality Studio (1-2) 2

This course aims to introduce students to the world of Augmented and Virtual Realities and to help them to develop their own voice using these new fascinating technologies. It introduces also the newest technologies in design and presentation, where students draw parallels between being at the foreground of the technologies, and how to utilize these tools for their own contemporary design practice. The course teaches students to present their work from different aspects, from photorealism to hyper-stylization, and work with everything from texturing, lighting, rendering, photographic vantage points, topology, etc.

ARHA 401 Theory and History of Art History (2-2) 3

The theoretical issues that have shaped scholarly approaches to the history of art; the history of the development of Art History as a discipline. The different methodologies currently used in the study of the history of art and visual culture.

ARHA 403 Technical Drawing (1-4) 3

Studio practice in technical drawing. Learning to draw ancient artefacts: pottery sherds, terracotta and stone sculpture, metal objects. Pencil and ink drawing techniques.

ARHA 405 Advanced Documentation Techniques (1-4) 3

Technical training in how to use large-scale 3D scanner, drone, ground penetrating radar, their associated softwares, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. Theoretical and practical frameworks within which these technologies are applied. Analytical tools in GIS to address geospatially significant questions in social sciences and humanities fields (e.g., archaeology, history, art history, sociology, migration studies).

ARHA 407 Curating Art (2-2) 3

The course establishes an understanding of professional standards of practice in curating. It deals with structures and institutions of the art world and introduces the tools to write an exhibition proposal, organise a show or apply for funding. It begins with an overview of the history of curating and 21st century curatorial developments. It surveys the main trends, institutions and concerns of contemporary curatorial practices. Then it builds up practical skills and encourages the students to devise exhibition themes and proposals.

ARHA 402 Graduation Project Thesis (2-8) 6

This comprehensive final semester gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the extent of their aquired knowledge and skills. Students work on a guided research-based thesis project in far greater depth or breadth than they have worked upon earlier in their studies. It is anticipated that the students will concentrate on the specialist area that they developed into during the years 3-4.

ARHA 404 Management of Cultural Heritage (2-2) 3

Conservation, interpretation, communication and management of all archaeological and historical resources that are regarded as cultural heritage. Theoretical and methodological approaches, social and political factors, which shape our understanding and management of the cultural heritage. Examination of local and global, international and national institutions which deal with cultural heritage, the relevant legislation and conventions that impact the management of these resources.

ARHA 406 Contemporary Architecture and Art (2-2) 3

An introduction to the appreciation of and critical debates around contemporary architecture and arts. Engagement with work from architects, and artists working in a broad range of media within various settings – galleries, museums, public spaces, and other non-traditional exhibition venues.

DEPARTMENTAL ELECTIVES

ARHA 305 Architecture and Art of Constantinople (3-0) 3

The history and the archaeology of the Byzantine imperial capital from its foundation to the Ottoman conquest. The functions of the built environment in relation to both historical time and urban space: the imperial palaces, the public churches, civic ritual and entertainment, economic and social services, the provision of welfare and defense, and the role of monasteries in the life of the community.

ARHA 307 Architecture and Art of the Seljuks (3-0) 3

Introduction to the material culture of the Seljuk Period in Anatolia. Detailed examination of the architectural remains of the Seljuks, such as palaces, caravanserais, tombs, mosques, madrasas, khans and hospitals, the urbanization, art and architecture of the Seljuks.

ARHA 308 Architecture and Art of the Ottomans (3-0) 3

Introduction to the material culture of the Ottoman Period in Anatolia and Cyprus. Detailed examination of the architectural remains, such as palaces, caravanserais, tombs, mosques, madrasas, khans and hospitals, the urbanization, art and architecture of the Ottomans.

ARHA 310 Northern Renaissance Art (3-0) 3

This study-unit will concentrate on the artists who made the greatest contribution to the Northern Renaissance, among them Claus Sluter, Jan van Eyck, Robert Campin, Rogier van der Weyden, Albrecht Dürer and Pieter Breughel. The achievements of Northern Renaissance artists and their acute observation and interest in realism have been obscured by the developments of their Italian counterparts. This study unit will highlight the equally riveting art that was produced beyond the Alps that influenced and was influenced by contemporary Italian artists, and which was in great demand by Italian patrons.

ARHA 409 Architecture, Art, Urban Space and Technology in Science Fiction Film (2-2) 3

The course analyses the architectural, art-, urban and technological mise-en scenes of science fiction utopias and dystopias of the 1920s to the 2000s, of the modern and postmodern eras. At first, students are required to classify the displayed settings before assessing if these settings mirror contemporary architectural, art-, urban and technological discourses and theories. Subsequently, the course investigates if and how specific mise-en scenes support specific utopian or dystopian texts. It concludes with the hypothesis that the mise-en scenes of science fiction films may reveal widely, yet possibly subconsciously understandable general meanings of architecture, art, urbanity and technology. The course requires the screening and discussion of selected films and of related scholarly literature. It addresses students of art and design of the 3rd and 4th years.

ARHA 411 History of Architectural Theory, 18th to 20th centuries (3-0) 3

This course discusses theories of architecture and urbanism ranging from the late 18th century to the second half of the 20th century. It provides an advanced theoretical framework through a survey of key authors and the reading of key texts, from Durand to Venturi. The cultural, political, religious, socio-economic and technological context of the theoretical texts is considered. The course builds up a sound knowledge of influential theoretical texts while recapitulating contemporaneous architectural and urban examples. It is supposed to enable students to link the built environment of the recent past and present with their respective theoretical background, and to strengthen the students’ ability of critical assessment.

ARHA 413 Late Ottoman and Republican Architecture (3-0) 3

Ottoman modernism and the historical and cultural transformation in the 18th and 19th centuries will be discussed in view of the architectural developments. How Western influences led to the birth of new techniques, forms and styles in the architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries leading to the Republican Period will be the main theme in the course including a critical discourse of the concepts of ‘modernism’ and ‘westernization’ and ‘national identity’

ARHA 415 Roman Baroque Sculpture (3-0) 3

The study-unit will provide the necessary tools for a critical art historical appreciation of the major sculptural productions of the Roman High Baroque. They specifically focus on the overwhelming influence of Gianlorenzo Bernini and Alessandro Algardi and will discuss trends in High Baroque Sculpture, patronage patterns, and the other important sculptors in Rome. The lectures in the second part this unit will discuss the principal exponents and stylistic characteristics of Late Baroque sculpture in Rome.

FACULTY ELECTIVES

ARHA 212 Rome: City versus countryside (3-0) 3

Urban development of Rome from a monarchic residence to an imperial capital. Imperial presence and propaganda in the cities and countryside of the Roman empire. Examples ranging from Cyprus to Britannia will be connected with the larger discourse on the organization and logistics of the empire. Transformations of regional societies within the empire with focus on the legitimization of local powers through works of art, public infrastructure and urban decoration.

INAD 321 City and History 1 (2-2) 3

The course aims to discuss and analyse core issues of historical and contemporary “town & city “and provide a broad introduction to the historical study of towns and cities from classical antiquity to modern times with reference to a multi-scalar and interdisciplinary approach.

INAD 322 City and History 2 (2-2) 3

This course is the continuation of the course ‘City and History 1’. The course aims to discuss and analyse core issues of historical and contemporary “town & city “and provide a broad introduction to the historical study of towns and cities from classical antiquity to modern times with reference to a multi-scalar and interdisciplinary approach.

ARCH 350 The Ancient and early Medieval City (2-2) 3

This course discusses the development of urbanity in the Mediterranean, central Europe and the Middle East from prehistory to the early Middle Ages/early Islamic period, focusing on ancient Greece and the Roman world. It provides a framework through a chronological survey, being linked to the cultural, political, religious, socio-economic and technological contexts and their agents. It develops the ability to read the lay-out of organically grown or planned cities/town, and to define the spatial organisation of their public, religious, commercial and residential functions. The course emphasizes various aspects, such as the city as center of ecomomy and trade, the relationship between city and countryside, the transformation from the Pagan to the Christian, and from the Christian to the Islamic city, and urban planning and design as reflection of institutional or private power. Finally, it introduces (ancient) theories of urban planning and design. The course addresses students of (interior) architecture.

ARHA 417 The Roman Provinces (3-0) 3

Focus on the role Romans played in the provinces between the 1st century BC and Late Antiquity. Study of material remains showing how a process of interchange and exchange of ideas developed parallel with the gradual expansion of Roman power. Attention to the way Rome affected the life, architecture and art in areas that came under its dominion, but also to the impact foreign elements had on Roman society and material culture in its broad sense.

ARHA 408 Architecture in British Colonial Cyprus and beyond (3-0) 3

The course provides insights into the architectural development of Cyprus between the second half of the 19th century and the 1970s, considering the respective cultural, political and social context. It aims to introduce a broad perspective of architectural culture and production by considering different agents. It discusses the Cypriot vernacular, architectural and urban modernization and traces of resilience.

What is the Department of Archaeology?
Archaeology encompasses many disciplines, including the history of art and visual culture, cultural heritage management, and museum studies. The department offers courses examining the evolution of culture in regions such as the Mediterranean, the Near East, Europe, and Africa.

What is the Department’s Objective?
The department aims to teach students to think from multiple perspectives and conduct scientific research. While conducting thematic and theoretical research in art, architecture, archaeology, and museology, we teach our students the critical thinking they need to confront the challenges of our changing world and make a difference.

How long is the program?
The Department of Archaeology is a four-year undergraduate program.

What is the language of instruction?
The language of instruction in the Archaeology Department is English.

How can Turkish citizens choose this program?
The Department of Archaeology plans to obtain YÖK accreditation in the 2022-2023 Academic Year. Therefore, prospective students can submit their programs through the YÖK Atlas.

For your questions and comments, please contact our WhatsApp support line: (0533) 820 21 83

How can TRNC citizens and Turkish citizens residing in the TRNC choose this program?
TRNC citizens who have completed their four-year high school education at a TRNC high school can apply to any program without an exam. By completing the online application form (https://kibrisaday.arucad.edu.tr/hemen-basvur/), they will attend an oral interview at a predetermined interview date and time, where they will explain themselves, their desired program, and their goals. Students with existing portfolios also have the opportunity to present their portfolios during this process. Students whose scholarship rates have been determined can join the ARUCAD family by completing their pre-registration.

For your questions and comments, please contact our WhatsApp support line: (0533) 820 21 83

How do the international application processes for foreign citizens residing in the TRNC proceed?
International students residing in the TRNC can enroll by attending an interview on dates determined by the University and submitting their portfolio. Applicants living abroad are accepted by applying online (https://prospective.arucad.edu.tr/apply-now/).

Is there a mandatory internship?
The Archaeology Department has a mandatory internship program.

Is the university’s infrastructure sufficient for this department? In what environments will my courses be taught?
Our university has sufficient infrastructure for the Archaeology Department.

Your education is structured as follows:
Theoretical courses are taught in classrooms, while most practical courses are held in PC and MAC laboratories.

Drawing courses are taught in the Interdisciplinary Studio, and some architectural courses are taught in the Design Studios.

What is the proportion of practical training?
Because the majority of the Archaeology Department’s course content is theoretical, the department’s courses are largely theoretical, while the remainder is hands-on fieldwork.

Are there sufficient studios, workshops, and laboratories?
Preliminary work on establishing an archaeology laboratory is ongoing.

What job opportunities will I have after graduation?
Graduates of the department can work in both academic and applied fields in archaeology. In addition to archaeology, the department also offers students career opportunities in museums, heritage management, and conservation. They can also pursue careers in companies with cultural and artistic units, publishing institutions, and various fields related to art criticism and art history.

Why Should I Study at ARUCAD?
The Archaeology Department offers students the opportunity to study and gain experience in Cyprus, an island rich in history and home to numerous civilizations for centuries. The ARUCAD Campus, which houses a special collection of 27 original works by Auguste Rodin, the world-renowned French sculptor who shaped modern art history, is located in the historic Old Turkish Quarter of Cyprus. In addition to the Department of Archaeology and Art History, ARUCAD offers training in various art disciplines. Students can develop themselves in different fields and increase their job opportunities.

Aphendrika Survey Project, 2016-

Director:

Prof. Dr. Marko Kiessel, Department of Archaeology, Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design

Synopsis:
The site “Aphendrika” is situated in the alluvial plain on the north-eastern coast of the Karpas peninsula of Cyprus, a few kilometers east of ancient Carpasia (Fig. 1). Aphendrika and its immediate surroundings were investigated by relatively few studies and surveys. The identification of the site with the Hellenistic Urania, mentioned by Diodoros Siculus and Nonnos, goes back to D. G. Hogarth. The only proper excavation in the area was conducted by E. Dray and J. du Plat Taylor who focused on several coastal and mainly Classical-Hellenistic chamber tombs south of the western plateau next to the natural bay that features the harbour remains. The location of Urania is assumed close to that harbour, for example by E. Öztepe, although no hard evidence exists so far. About 700 m off the coast three dilapidated Early- to Middle-Byzantine churches sit at the foot of a ridge, which features the few rock-cut remains of an “acropolis”. The Panagia Chrysiotissa and Asomatos churches have been fairly studied. They go back to the 6^th century and were rebuilt with barrel vaults probably in the early 8^th century, not long after the Arab raids of the mid-7^th century. Another localisation of Urania, about one and a half kilometers to the east, close to Exarkhos Bay, is suggested by the mapping of A. Ulbrich, in an area where the remains of Archaic to Hellenistic tombs occur. Exarkhos Bay is mentioned by G. Hill, who suggests the existence of an ancient harbour, probably meaning an anchorage as traces of built harbour structures do not exist.

Fig. 1. Cyprus, north coast and Karpas peninsula

Aims:

To provide new insights into the generally under-researched area of Aphendrika.

Specifically, to trace, document and analyse findings and finds from Prehistory to Late Antiquity by: documentation of remains of human activity by non-invasive ground- and aerial survey; rescue of small findings/artefacts; mapping of location/distribution of remains/traces of settlements, in order to gain insights into chronology/continuity of remains of settlements; rural economy and (overseas) trade connections.

Finds/Findings:

Rock-cut tombs, harbor facilities, quarries, oil press weights, abandoned traditional, seasonal agricultural settlements, limestone/terracotta sculptures, stone tools, pottery sherds.

Methods:

Ground/aerial prospecting; surveying of the harbor area/mapping (conducted by a surveyor using GPRS); graphic, photographic, and aerial-photography documentation of above-ground features, as well as aerial photography/remote sensing to record potential subterranean features (DJI Phantom 3 Advanced; pilot: M. Kiessel); documentation using a large-scale 3D scanner (data corrupted, however, as the device was probably damaged); elevation survey of the site; graphic and photographic documentation of small finds. Photogrammetry of small finds and of landscape aerial images in progress (conducted by ARUCAD PhD student and forensic archaeologist Ms. Elif Nazlı Tangül); evaluation of historical maps; comparative analysis of typology, form, material, construction techniques and phases, and of small finds.

Permissions:

Eski Eserler ve Müzesi Dairesi (Department of Antiquities and Museums), TRNC.

Funding:

Self-funded; application for TÜBİTAK funding in 2016 unsuccessful; TÜBİTAK application 2025 pending.

Members:

Over the years changing academic volonteers from the department of architecture, credited by publications

Publications

1) Kiessel, M., Saymanlier, A.M, Taluğ, M., The Early Byzantine harbor at Aphendrika, Karpas peninsula, and the maritime activity on the north-eastern coast of Cyprus, Olba 32, 2024, 1, 143-171. (A&HCI)

2) Kiessel, M., A new Archaic Sanctuary in Cyprus? On Sculptural Finds from Aphendrika in the Karpas Peninsula, in: L. Summerer, M. Kiessel, H. Kaba (eds.), New Approaches towards Recording, Preserving and Studying Cultural Heritage in Divided Cyprus: Problems and Opportunities, Arucad Press: Istanbul, 2023.

3) Kiessel, M., Saymanlier, A.M., Mesda, Y., Rural Vernacular Architecture and Ancient Settlements: The Case of Aphendrika in the Karpas Peninsula of Cyprus, in: A.B. Gültekin (ed.), ISBS2019 PROCEEDINGS. 4TH INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS SYMPOSIUM (18–20 July 2019 Dallas, USA), InTechOpen: London, 2019, 369-383. (ISBN 978-1-78985-190-8)

4) Kiessel, M., Hof- und Fassadengräber auf der Karpashalbinsel Zyperns? Bemerkungen zu Kammergräbern in der Flur “Spilious” nahe Aphendrika, ADALYA 20, 2017, 135-156. (ISSN: 1301-2746) (A&HCI)

Conference Presentations

Kiessel, M., “Kıbrıs, Karpaz yarımadasındaki Aphendrika’da kıyı kaya mezarlığı”, held at II. Uluslararası Kültürel Mirası Kuruma ve Araştırma Semposyumu, 7-9 April 2025, Acapulco Hotel, Girne, KKTC

Kiessel, M., Tangül, E.N., “A New Neolithic Settlement on Cyprus? Recent Discoveries at Aphendrika, on the North-Eastern Coast of the Karpas Pensinsula”, held on 7^th November 2024 in the session “P – Recent Finds, Recent Recoveries” at the World Neolithic Congress, November 4-8, 2024 in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye.

Kiessel, M., “Coastal Rock-cut Chamber Tombs at Aphendrika, Karpas Peninsula, Cyprus,” held on 7^th October 2024 in the session “Mortuary Practices in Rural and Remote Landscapes” at the NECROPOLEIS RESEARCH NETWORK ANNUAL MEETING VII, 7-9 October 2024, ANAMED Auditorium, İstanbul, Türkiye.

Kiessel, M., Saymanlier, A.M., Mesda, Y.,” Vernacular Architecture and Ancient Settlements: The Case of Aphendrika on the north coast of the Karpas Peninsula of Cyprus”, held at Intern. Conference “Vernacular Architecture – a frame of life in ancient and historic communities”, Technische Universitat Berlin 4-7 April 2019 (abstract and poster presentation)