The 17th Archaeology Symposium, bringing together Italian archaeological teams working at sites across Türkiye, will be held in Denizli on 13–14 October 2026. The event will open on the evening of 13 October with a special programme at the Ancient Theatre of Hierapolis, followed by academic sessions at Pamukkale University on 14 October. Archaeologists will present recent findings from major sites including Arslantepe, Hattusa, Karkamış, Hierapolis and Tokalı Church.

The 17th Archaeology Symposium: The Italian Contribution to Education, Research and Excavations in Archaeological Studies in Türkiye will bring Turkish and Italian archaeologists together in Denizli.

Organised by the Italian Cultural Institute in Istanbul, the symposium will be held under the theme “Discoveries, Methods and Collaboration: Italian Archaeological Missions in Türkiye Between Continuity of Research and Innovation.”

The programme will focus on excavation, survey, conservation and research projects carried out by Italian archaeological missions in cooperation with Turkish institutions and scholars.

Opening at the Ancient Theatre of Hierapolis

The symposium will open on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at 7:00 p.m. with a special event at the Ancient Theatre of Hierapolis.

According to the programme, the opening is expected to be attended by Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, as well as representatives from the cultural, diplomatic and academic communities.

Holding the opening at Hierapolis will also highlight the long-standing archaeological cooperation between Türkiye and Italy within one of Anatolia’s major ancient sites.

Academic sessions at Pamukkale University

The scientific programme will continue on Wednesday, 14 October, at the Prof. Dr. İsmail Çetişli Conference Hall of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Pamukkale University.

Sessions will run throughout the day, with archaeologists presenting the latest results of their excavations, surveys and research projects in Türkiye.

Simultaneous interpretation between Italian and Turkish will be provided during the academic sessions.

New findings from Arslantepe to Tokalı Church

The symposium will cover archaeological projects from different regions and periods across Türkiye.

Presentations will include recent work at Arslantepe, Hierapolis, Karkamış, Kültepe, Uşaklı Höyük, Türkmen-Karahöyük, Hattusa, Tripolis and Tokalı Church.

Alongside new discoveries, speakers are expected to discuss research methodologies, interdisciplinary approaches and the continuity of long-term archaeological projects.

From prehistory to the Byzantine period

The academic programme will be divided into sessions covering different historical periods.

The first section will focus on prehistory and protohistory, while the second will address archaeological research from the Classical and Byzantine periods.

This structure will allow participants to examine a broad chronological spectrum, from prehistoric settlements to major Roman and Byzantine sites.

Turkish-Italian archaeological cooperation in focus

A central theme of the symposium will be the long-standing scientific cooperation between Türkiye and Italy.

Italian archaeological missions working in Türkiye carry out their projects in collaboration with Turkish universities, museums, excavation teams and other research institutions.

The symposium provides a platform for researchers to compare fieldwork results, discuss new methods and evaluate opportunities for future cooperation.

It is also regarded as an important academic meeting contributing to cultural diplomacy and scientific exchange between Türkiye and Italy.

Archaeological research to reach a wider audience

The symposium is designed not only for academics but also for members of the public interested in archaeology and cultural heritage.

By combining the opening programme at Hierapolis with academic sessions at Pamukkale University, the two-day event will bring recent archaeological research from across Türkiye to a broader audience.

Symposium details

Event: 17th Archaeology Symposium: The Italian Contribution to Education, Research and Excavations in Archaeological Studies in Türkiye
Theme: “Discoveries, Methods and Collaboration: Italian Archaeological Missions in Türkiye Between Continuity of Research and Innovation”
Dates: 13–14 October 2026
13 October, 7:00 p.m.: Opening programme at the Ancient Theatre of Hierapolis
14 October: Academic sessions at Pamukkale University
Venue: Prof. Dr. İsmail Çetişli Conference Hall, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Pamukkale University
Languages: Italian and Turkish, with simultaneous interpretation
Admission: Free
Reservation: Required
Organiser: Italian Cultural Institute in Istanbul