The term “archaeology” is etymologically derived from a combination of two words in Ancient Greek: “arkhaios”=ancient and “logos”=science. Archaeology is a branch of science which aims to examine and enlighten the material remains of ancient cultures and civilizations which have survived up to the present day. Since the majority of these remains are subterranean, revealing them frequently requires excavation. The basic field of study in archaeology includes excavation technique, which may be regarded as a very complicated method, but is not limited to that. It also enables us to compile the data which would shed light upon history by means of various written documents and the remains classified as cultural heritage, and to make analogies between these ancient cultures and contemporary culture. Contrary to the popular belief, archaeology not only deals with the ancient times, but also deals with the remains of Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern ages. It both benefits from some natural and physical sciences and provides a number of fields of science with information in terms of historical depth.Education in archeology is given under three departments. These include Prehistoriy, Protohistory and Classical Archaeology. Those students who complete their undergraduate education in the Department of Archaeology are granted with the title of “archaeologist.” They will later have the opportunity to work as researchers, consultants and experts within the central organization of the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums of the Republic of Turkey, as members of the Councils of Museums and Monuments, as scholars in the universities, in addition to positions attainable in Private Museums, General Dİrectorate of Foundations, Protection, Implementation and Audit Branches of the municipalities, restoration companies, excavation companies, universities, public or private research institutes and auction companies. They could also get a Master of Arts degree in Department of Archaeology and other departments related to this field such as Restoration-Conservation, Anthropology, Ancient Languages and Cultures, Ancient History and Art History
