Excavations will only happen after the geophysical surveys (which include new GPR and ERT scans) are finished and the core drilling is done. The Turkish scientists are very methodical with their plans and do not want a destructive pit dug on the boat formation before core drilling can determine hopefully what some of the layers are that we see in the geophysical survey results done in the past. We are taking this one step at a time with them and the focus right now is to get the geophysical surveys and core drilling finished.
We are still working through how volunteers can be used for the project. We have discussed this with the Turkish archaeologists and will announce in the future what has been decided. We do know that East Turkey Expedition’s tours will have exclusive tours of the sites with access to the professionals involved so that those on the tours can see the work being done and ask questions. Discovered Media and its Turkish partners will also have exclusive media rights to the excavation details for specific areas of the world and will be able to present these exciting discoveries thanks to your generous financial support and prayers!
We are allowing volunteers to help with the new multimedia Visitor Center expansion project and the new hiking trails project around the boat formation. You can sign up as a volunteer on this website by clicking here.