Oxford, Nottingham universities apply to Turkish university for underwater archaeology

KONYA – Anadolu Agency

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The University Oxford and the University of Nottingham have applied to a Turkish university in order to become a member of UNESCO’s UNITWIN Underwater Archaeology Network.

Selçuk University, located in the Central Anatolian province of Konya, has since 2012 been the leading university of the network, which aims to increase the underwater archaeology capabilities of participating countries through international cooperation.

Selçuk University Rector Dr. Hakkı Gökbel said they were happy to have received the invitations of the two leading British universities, adding that their applications would be discussed and decided on at the UniTwin meeting to be held in the southern touristic district of Kemer.

In his university’s application letter, University of Oxford Rector Dr. Andrew D. Hamilton said they were looking forward to being part of and playing an active role in the network.

University of Nottingham Rector Dr. Davif Greenaway, meanwhile, said his university strongly supported the promotion of UniTwin’s goals in underwater archaeology studies and raising awareness on the topic.

The UNITWIN Underwater Archaeology Network aims to enhance the protection of and research into underwater cultural heritage, by forging connections between universities and professional training institutions working in the field. It aims to act as a bridge between the academic world, civil society, local communities, research and policy-makers.