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The four-volume "Catalogue of Archaeological Artifacts in Erzurum Museum", the product of long-term scientific research by Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU), was introduced during a special event. Based on nearly ten years of research, the work brings together approximately 9,000 archaeological artifacts in the collection of the Erzurum Museum, providing a comprehensive reference source for Anatolia’s rich cultural heritage.

The study, in which archaeological artifacts were examined one by one and classified according to their periods, serves as an important academic resource in terms of documenting, preserving, and opening museum collections to the access of the scientific world. Shedding light on different historical periods of Erzurum and its surroundings, the four-volume catalogue creates a broad data foundation for new research to be conducted in the fields of archaeology, art history, history, and cultural heritage.

Ten Years of Research Turned into a Scientific Inventory of 9,000 Artifacts

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan stated that the work was the result of a meticulous research process spanning many years and strong teamwork.

Expressing that while carrying out their academic studies, they conducted intensive field and museum work alongside library research, Rector Ceylan stated that in the roughly ten-year process, 9,000 archaeological artifacts in the Erzurum Museum were examined individually and classified by period.

Stating that the research team also included Atatürk University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Yavuz Günaştı and Prof. Dr. Oktay Özgül, who previously served at KTMU, Ceylan noted that the project was completed through a long-term scientific collaboration bringing together different areas of expertise.

Emphasizing that the primary aim of the catalogue study is to systematically record archaeological finds and make them available for scientific research, Ceylan stated that the work will contribute to tracing historical periods through material culture and transferring cultural heritage to future generations.

Museum Collection Transformed into a Scientific Resource for New Research

The four-volume work highlights the importance of catalogue studies in transforming cultural assets preserved in museums into scientific knowledge. Documenting and classifying thousands of archaeological finds within a specific system provides a comprehensive research infrastructure that allows for the development of new research questions beyond merely recording existing knowledge.

Rector Ceylan pointed out that, in this respect, the catalogue could serve as a vital starting point, especially for young scholars. Stating that the rich material in the catalogue could source numerous new academic studies, Ceylan emphasized the scientific potential of the work by saying, "Young academics can produce 400–500 articles from these works."

Mentioning the contribution provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye in preparing the work for publication, Ceylan expressed that the Ministry's support played a major role in turning years of scientific effort into a comprehensive publication. He also thanked Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsa Yayla, a faculty member at KTMU Faculty of Tourism, who carried out coordination duties with the Ministry of Culture.

Scientific Knowledge Transferred to Manas' Academic Memory

Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan stated that the publication process of the work carries a special meaning for KTMU, noting that scientific studies contribute as much to the academic memory of the affiliated institutions as to the individual academic knowledge of the researcher.

Saying, "I am now a member of the Manas family, so this work should also belong to Manas," Ceylan expressed his satisfaction that the work was presented in connection with KTMU's scientific output through the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye.

Ceylan continued his words as follows: "Now, this work has gone down in history as a work of our university as well. This brings us great happiness. The Catalogue of Archaeological Artifacts in Erzurum Museum brings new contributions to the University's studies in science, culture, and shared history by bringing together comprehensive scientific work on Türkiye's cultural heritage with KTMU's academic expertise."

The Value of Academic Heritage Will Increase with Studies by New Generations

Sharing her evaluations during the program, Prof. Dr. Laili Ukubayeva also stated that the four-volume work is the product of significant scientific labor and congratulated the academics who contributed to its preparation.

Expressing that scientific research carries a major responsibility in terms of identifying, interpreting, systematizing, and presenting materials from the past to future generations, Ukubayeva drew attention to the importance of intergenerational scientific transfer in preserving cultural heritage.

Emphasizing that the created academic knowledge should be developed with new research, Ukubayeva invited young researchers to continue archaeological research and excavations. Stating that researching a society's history, cultural values, and heritage carried from the past through scientific methods is an important responsibility toward future generations, Ukubayeva expressed her belief that young scholars will carry this legacy forward by reading, researching, and producing original work.

Documenting Nine Thousand Artifacts Reflects Immense Scientific Effort

KTMU Vice Rector Professor İsmet Altıntaş pointed out that there is an extremely intense and meticulous scientific effort behind the four-volume catalogue. Stating that scientifically examining and registering museum artifacts requires a long and multi-stage process, Altıntaş expressed that addressing each of the 9,000 artifacts individually reveals the grand scale of the study.

Altıntaş stated that the value of the work is not limited to the number of artifacts it covers, but stems from transforming a systematic documentation process spanning years into a permanent scientific resource. Pointing out that one of the most critical stages in protecting cultural heritage is recording it accurately and in detail, Altıntaş expressed that the catalogue is not only an important reference work for today, but also creates a reliable scientific memory for future generations of researchers. Prof. Dr. Altıntaş congratulated Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan and the scientists who contributed to the study, stating that completing such a comprehensive work requires patience, continuity, and strong academic discipline.