Archaeological Destruction and Folklore: Spiritual Guidance and Looting in Turkey

Abstract

The ongoing destruction of archaeological sites in Anatolia is well known but less so are the Anatolian-Turkish oral traditions, beliefs and social norms that tolerate the irreversible damage being done by the local communities involved. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative research I undertook in the Black Sea region of Turkey where extensive looting occurs including the Safranbolu World Heritage Site. Using an ethno graphic approach enabled me to conduct first-hand interviews with 91 informants and 9 hodjas or selfproclaimed spiritualists who advise local people on their search for buried treasures. My fieldwork shows a lack of archaeological heritage awareness and a tolerance of looting that stems from folklore, reinterpretation of Islamic hadiths, and cultural codes. Today, the protection and preservation of archaeological heritage and associated artefacts depends on whether local communities value them more than the buyers of illicitly obtained artefacts.