He noted that the archaeological artifacts and findings obtained from the excavations over the past 4 years at Üçhöyük suggest that it was an important settlement in ancient times.
"There are findings dating back to the Iron Age, as well as Hellenistic and Roman periods in certain parts of the Üçhöyük settlement. The Japanese archaeologists will work with us on this issue. We will examine these periods together and make evaluations of the excavation site," said Koçak.
He noted: "We make interpretations on the same findings. Generally, our evaluations support each other."
"This year, we will work together for about a month. We will get to know each other, so we can make different collaborations in the future as well. We will be working with Japanese scientists here for many years," he said.
Professor Satoshi Urano, one of the archaeologists, mentioned that he has participated in other excavation projects in Antalya and Muğla in Türkiye.
Urano stated that they joined the Üçhöyük excavation in Afyonkarahisar upon the invitation of the excavation leader and said, "This site is the most important location in the Akarçay Basin. There are many archaeological sites around here."
"We are trying to secure funding from the Japanese government for our work here. If we succeed in obtaining this funding, we will be able to bring students here. Working together here will make us all very happy. We are also preparing a preliminary report of an academic article this year."
