Fossils maintained for museum display

ÇANKIRI - Anadolu Agency

The fossils of various species including elephant, rhino, monkey, horse, pig, giraffe, goat, deer, sheep and others are being restored in the lab.

Fossils that have been unearthed in the central Anatolian province of Çankırı during excavations since 1997 are shedding light on ancient history in the area. The excavations are headed by Ankara University’s Professor Ayla Sevim Erol and so far 3,000 fossils have been found.

Erol said that they had so far reached the fossils of nearly 20 species including elephant, rhino, monkey, horse, pig, giraffe, goat, deer, sheep and other animals. She said that after the completion of excavations, the excavation house was turned into an orthopedics clinic.

Erol said that the fossils were first brought to the excavation house, adding, “They are maintained here by our students and research assistants. After restoration and cleaning works, they are classified for scientific evaluation. Later on they are delivered to museum depots.”

Laboratory formed

“We formed a laboratory in the house. Fossils are restored there. We are working on the nature and try to present it to the scientific work. Reports are also presented every year in the excavation researches symposium every year. We are making scientific works to shed light on Anatolian history,” Erol said, adding that they were working in the excavation house with a team of 20 people.