Our Objective
Dr. Sachihiro OMURA
Director,
Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology
In October 1979, the Middle Eastern Culture Center in Japan (MECCJ) was built in Mitaka, Tokyo, as an institute for the study of the Middle East, based on the idea of Prince Takahito Mikasa. In May 1998, Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology (JIAA) was established as an affiliated institute in Çağırkan village, Kaman, Kırşehir, in the Republic of Turkey. The ancient site of Kaman- Kalehöyük is located next to this village.
MECCJ conducted preliminary research at the site of Kaman-Kalehöyük in 1985, and has conducted systematic excavation at the site every summer since then. The institute also conducts a general archaeological survey of Central Anatolia each year at the close of the excavation season, in September or October.
The excavation and research at Kaman-Kalehöyük have resulted in an enormous and invaluable archive of archaeological information, artifacts, and documentation. Preserving this material and educating future generations about cultural heritage preservation are major goals of JIAA. JIAA has been established in the local village so that those closest to the site and archive can enjoy it, value it, become involved with it, and help to preserve it. Researchers from Japan, Turkey, and all over the world come to Kaman-Kalehöyük to work on the excavation, to study and conserve the excavated materials, to teach courses, and to share their points of view. It is the goal of JIAA to be a center of cultural and academic exchange, to share the results of our research both locally and internationally, to train young researchers, and especially to stimulate local children, to instill in them an interest and passion in history and cultural heritage.
Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology is part of a cultural complex that includes the Kaman-Kalehöyük excavation site, the Prince Mikasa Memorial Garden (opened in 1993), and the Museum of Archaeology Kaman-Kalehöyük (scheduled to be completed at the end of 2008, supported by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The institute’s work is based on a foundation of academic archaeological research and local and international cooperation.
We hope and believe that we have a positive effect on the attitudes and actions related to cultural heritage preservation.
Facility Construction
For many years, Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology consisted of a group of prefabricated buildings erected for the purpose of conducting excavation and research at the site of Kaman-Kalehöyük. In order to achieve the wider goals of JIAA and to improve the research environment, construction of a permanent institute facility began in 2004. In September 2005, the research wing was completed, and in September 2007, the conference and library wing was completed. Japan's H.I.H. Prince Takahito Mikasa and H.I.H. Prince Tomohito greatly supported the construction. In particular, Prince Tomohito assumed leadership of the fundraising effort as the chairman of Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology Construction Fund Committee. Construction has been made possible through generous donations from all over Japan.
Opening Ceremony of the Conference Wing
On Saturday, 31 May 2008, with Parliamentary President Köksal Toptan of Turkey and Princess Akiko of Japan in attendance, the opening ceremony of JIAA conference wing was held. The conference hall was named the Tahsin Özgüç Memorial Hall, in memory of the noted Turkish archaeologist and good friend of JIAA. Approximately 250 people attended the ceremony, including researchers from various countries who were in Turkey for a major conference.
Main Projects
- Archaeological research
- Archaeological excavation
- Archaeological general survey
- Publication of research results
- Organizing conferences, lectures and symposia
- Restoration and conservation of cultural heritage (sites, historical buildings and artifacts)
- Education of young researchers and technicians who represent the future of archaeology, history, and conservation of cultural heritage
- Field courses
- Study groups
- Library
- On-the-job training at the excavation site
- Sharing the benefits of archaeology, history and cultural heritage with the local community
- Organizing lectures, classes and study tours
Contact
Kaman (Republic of Turkey)
Japanese Institute of Anatolian ArchaeologyJapon Anadolu Arkeoloji Enstitüsü
Çağırkan, Kaman, Kırşehir, TURKEY
TEL: +90-386-717-6252
If you would like to have further information on JIAA, please contact our General Secretary Ms. Deniz Erbisim at
d.erbisim
jiaa-kaman.org
Tokyo (Japan)
Japanese Institute of Anatolian ArchaeologyThe Middle Eastern Culture Center in Japan
3-10-31 Osawa Mitaka Tokyo, 181-0015 JAPAN
TEL: (+81)-(0)422-32-7665
E-mail: tokyo
jiaa-kaman.org