The most beautiful sea is the one that hasn't been visited yet.
Nazım Hikmet Ran
In 2004, a passionate collective of archaeologists, historians, engineers, seafarers, and boatbuilding experts came together in the charming town of Urla, Izmir, to create the 360 Degree Historical Research Association.Driven by a shared commitment to uncovering the rich tapestry of our past, we delve into the realms of history and marine archaeology, igniting curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of our heritage.
From the very beginning, our journey has been about more than just research; it’s about connecting communities with their history and inspiring future generations. We actively share our discoveries through engaging publications, captivating documentaries, and vibrant events such as exhibitions, conferences, and re-enactment projects. Since our inception, we have received numerous awards —not just as recognition of our accomplishments, but as a testament to the importance of preserving history and honoring local conservation efforts. Among our proudest moments are the Jury Special Award for Respect for History and Local Conservation from the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality in 2017 and the 4th International Ozkan Mert Award in 2018. Our work gained international recognition in 2013 when it was highlighted by the esteemed Maine Maritime Academy in the United States, reminding us that the pursuit of knowledge knows no borders.Our journey continues to evolve, and in 2021, one of our founders, Sidar Duman, took to the airwaves on Açık Radyo with the show “In the Mediterranean without a Compass,” further enriching the conversation around our vital areas of interest. Together, we aspire to inspire and educate, exploring the depths of our history and ensuring that its treasures are preserved and celebrated for generations to come. Nowadays, we are busy with exciting new developments…
Who Are We?
We are a group inspired by the historical values of our country, leading some of us to abandon professional life and engage in remarkable activities. Our mission is to share the extraordinary history of this land through various projects. We have found that physical artefacts, such as replicas, can be invaluable in this endeavour, and we continue to create them
Can We Visit You?
Absolutely! We are located in Urla Iskele at our boatyard. If you would like to visit, we would love to meet you. It’s a good idea to email us at info@360derece.info before coming to ensure we’ll welcome you. Our address is Iskele Mahallesi, 2129 Sokak No:5, Urla, Izmir, Turkey.
Is 360 Degree an association?
Yes, we have been an association since 2004 and are proud to be the only organisation of our kind in Turkey.
How can we support you?
There are many ways to contribute to our projects. If you have carpentry skills, you can assist us in manufacturing replicas at our boatyard. If you know archaeology and speak Western languages, you can help with conceptual studies for our projects. Those with expertise in librarianship can help us promote our 20-year-old library. Additionally, you can support us through donations. Please email us to introduce yourself and outline your knowledge; we would love to connect.
Will you welcome visitor groups from schools?
We love welcoming school groups! Since 2014, we have had the pleasure of hosting tens of thousands of student visitors at our boatyard. Our collaborations with some of our country's most established and oldest educational institutions make us proud.
What is the concept of experimental archaeology?
When we visit an ancient site, such as the Pyramids, one of the first questions that arises is how the ancients constructed these impressive structures. How were the stones moved, shaped, and erected? Experimental archaeology addresses these fundamental questions. It focuses not on "who the builders were," but on practical exploration. For example, it may involve attempting to reconstruct Hadrian's Wall using the tools, methods, and materials that were available at that time. This branch of archaeology involves replicating archaeological objects while adhering to the conditions and techniques of their respective periods. The advantage of these reconstructions is that they are not merely displayed behind glass in a museum; instead, they are designed to be utilized, tested, and interacted with.
Çevremize bu gözle bakarsak, sayısız deneysel arkeoloji konusu çıkartabiliriz. Örneğin Doğu Roma İmparatoru Theodosius, M.S 390 yılında Mısır’da bulunan bir obeliskin İstanbul’a getirilmesini istemiştir. Orijinal boyu 30 metre ve ağırlığı 200 ton olan bu dikilitaş hangi yöntemlerle taşınıp getirilmiştir? Ne tür bir gemiye nasıl yüklenmiştir? Yolda hangi limanlara uğramıştır, ne tür zorluklar yaşanmıştır?
Biz bu bilgileri deneyerek bilebileceğimizi gördük, daha da çok bilebilmek için denemeye, deneysel arkeoloji çalışmaya devam ediyoruz.