Françoise Summers

     Kerkenes Dag, located in Central Turkey, was chosen for the foundation of an Iron Age capital, probably ancient Pteria, about 600 BC. Since 1993, international teams of archaeologists and students conduct annual campaigns of remote sensing and targeted excavation.

   Sahmuratli Village, nestling at the foot of the mountain, is home to the expedition. Here an Eco-Center has been established to promote sustainable rural life on the Anatolian Plateau through the development of renewable energy, drip irrigated gardens, building with appropriate materials and marketing village produce. This combination of research, heritage management and village development brings together village residents, local and state offi cials, NGOs, students and academics who work together for the protection of cultural and environmental assets in a dynamic rural setting.