🌿 On science, climate, and hope…
The last of the workshops titled “Socio-Ecological Approaches to Anatolian History and Archaeology,” where scientists from different disciplines and countries meet twice a year as part of a research network conducted in partnership with DAI (German Institute of Archaeology), Koç University ANAMED (Anatolian Civilizations Research Center), and Princeton University Climate Change and History Research Initiative, was held on November 21-22, 2025.
The final workshop began with an opening speech by John Haldon titled “Can We Transform History into Politics? Problems and Perspectives,” laying the groundwork for a multi-dimensional examination of the relationships between history, archaeology, climate, and politics.
The round table session titled “Community and Policy-Oriented Communication in Archaeology,” held on the last day of the workshop; The workshop, moderated by Felix Pirson, concluded with the participation of Regine Grienberger (Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Istanbul), John Haldon, Elif Koparal, Franz Mauelshagen, and Lutgarde Vandeput (British Institute of Archaeology in Ankara).
The program ended with optional visits to the Yerebatan Cistern and the Şerefiye Cistern, guided by Dr. Kerim Altuğ (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality).
This workshop, to which Sena Akçer Ön from our Sustainable Green Campus Coordination Office also contributed, once again highlighted the importance of not limiting knowledge about climate change to academic discussions alone; it emphasized the need to provide policymakers with concrete and implementable suggestions on what can be done.
Is considering mitigating the future impacts of climate change optimism or naivety?
Or is the picture truly bleak as we delve deeper into the issue?
✨ We believe there is hope.
Perhaps with a little naivety; But with science, collaboration, and determination…
We continue our work towards the goal of a sustainable campus.
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