As part of its long-standing archaeological geophysics program, ITU research teams carried out surveys at three major archaeological sites: Türkmen-Karahöyük in Konya–Çumra, Hacımusalar Höyük in Antalya–Elmalı, and Kalehisar in Çorum–Alaca. Using magnetic surveying, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), the teams investigated buried architectural remains and cultural layers under official permits from the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums.

At Türkmen-Karahöyük, one of the largest höyüks in Türkiye, geophysical surveys were conducted in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Rita Deiana from the University of Padova. GPR and ERT investigations carried out in two separate zones of the mound revealed numerous subsurface archaeological features, providing new insights into the spatial organization and structural complexity of the site.

At Hacımusalar Höyük, archaeogeophysical measurements focused on tracing the continuity of a buried wall segment between two active excavation areas and identifying a related gateway structure. Consistent anomalies detected by magnetic, GPR, and ERT methods enabled the construction of a coherent subsurface model of the architectural remains. The dataset from this site is nearing completion, and a scientific publication is currently in preparation.

Geophysical investigations at Kalehisar Archaeological Site were significantly expanded during the second half of August 2025. Surveys covered a much larger area than in previous seasons, again employing magnetic, GPR, and ERT techniques. Several promising subsurface anomalies have been identified, although data processing and interpretation are ongoing due to the scale of the dataset.

These field campaigns were carried out by ITU faculty members Prof. Dr. Turgay İşseven, R. A. Dr. Nedim Gökhan Aydın, R. A. Orhan Apaydın, and Assist. Prof. Dr. Sercan Kayın (Gümüşhane University, Department of Mining Engineering), with support from five undergraduate interns. As in previous years, the projects served as an important educational platform, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in archaeological geophysics.

Images from Antalya-Hacımusalar Höyük, GPR fieldwork.

GPR fieldwork from Kalehisar Archaeological Site, Çorum.

Türkmen-Karahöyük archaeological site.

In parallel, the ITU Department of Geophysical Engineering contributed to the internationally recognized research project “The Transformation of the Pergamon Micro-Region between the Hellenistic and Roman Imperial Period (TransPergMicro).” This interdisciplinary project, led by the German Archaeological Institute (DAI) and supported primarily by the German Research Foundation (DFG), investigates settlement dynamics, landscape development, and human–environment interactions in and around the ancient city of Pergamon.

To contribute through geophysical measurements, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Kaplanvural, an official project partner, participated in the field campaign held between 5 and 15 September 2025, conducting archaeogeophysical investigations in and around Bergama. The surveys were carried out in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Rabbel, Prof. Dr. Matthias Bücker, M.Sc. Ercan Erkul, M.Sc. Simon Levin Fischer, and graduate students from the Applied Geophysics Department of Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany, as well as Prof. Dr. Ertan Pekşen from Kocaeli University.

Together, the ITU–Kiel team employed magnetic gradiometry, Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), and Frequency-Domain Electromagnetic (FDEM) measurements to characterize near-surface variations associated with archaeological features and sediment structures. These datasets help identify previously unknown settlement traces, rural infrastructures, and landscape modifications that are invisible at the surface today.

The collaboration between ITU and international partners is expected to continue in future field seasons, with planned joint efforts in advanced data processing, interpretation, and scientific publication.

Together, these projects highlight the ITU Department of Geophysical Engineering’s sustained contribution to archaeological research through state-of-the-art geophysical methodologies. By integrating scientific research with field-based education, the department continues to support both the preservation of Türkiye’s cultural heritage and the practical training of future geophysical engineers.