A meeting of the Association of Research Institutes and Centres for Archaeology of the Turkic World (ARICA) was held in Gaziantep, Türkiye.
The meeting was attended by President of the Turkic Academy, Prof. Dr. Shahin Mustafayev, as well as heads and representatives of archaeological organizations from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan and Mongolia.
One of the key issues discussed was the development of mechanisms to coordinate joint scientific activities. Particular attention was given to two projects aimed at systematizing archaeological data and improving access to scientific information: the Electronic Atlas of Archaeological Sites of the Turkic World and the ARICA Digital Information Portal. The portal is expected to bring together information on archaeological research, scientific publications, projects, relevant institutions, experts, museum collections and archaeological heritage sites across the participating countries.
The meeting also addressed prospects for conducting joint archaeological research and scientific expeditions, preparing collaborative publications, compiling a Dictionary of Archaeological Terms in Turkic Languages, and harmonizing methodological approaches to the study of the archaeological heritage of the Turkic world.
Following the discussions, it was agreed that the Institute of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage of the Turkic World would prepare concept documents for the Electronic Atlas and the Digital Information Portal within one month and submit them to the participating countries. The development of both projects will be carried out in cooperation with other ARICA member organizations.
Participants also discussed plans for the next Turkic World Excavation Results Meeting in 2027, as well as the date and venue of the fifth ARICA meeting.
ARICA aims to foster sustained scientific cooperation among archaeological organizations across Turkic countries, advance joint research and promote a more comprehensive study of their shared historical and cultural heritage.
