3rd March 2011, 10:20 AM
The recent story on the Turkish tunnel projects (BAJR home page) makes for an interesting read. The Turkish PM seems to be frustrated with archaeological "stuff" getting in the way and blames archaeology for the delays experienced during this project. He even goes as far as to question the value of "pots" and "stuff" before announcing that archaeology will no longer cause delays. Worrying indeed in the light of the dams that are planned for the near future. That said, academics and archaeologists working on the tunnel project have not been hesitant in openly criticising the PM for his views so that is a good sign. Most of the comments posted on the home page left by readers of the article have largely focussed on laughing at the Turkish PM and if this can be seen as an indication of public views on his approach then politically and in terms of PR, the future work on the proposed dams will no doubt draw a spotlight to him in unfavourable ways!
Sadly, some of the comments posted by guest readers have accused the Turkish PM of being friends with the Taliban and have suggested that his dismissal of the tunnel archaeology is based upon the "fact" that the archaeology is Greek in origin. Whilst this reactionary rhetoric is unlikely to help, it is a taster of the politically infused PR nightmare that the PM is likely to encounter if he persists in his current attitudes during the dam projects. The Turkish PM would do well to accept advice offered by Turkish archaeologists and academics who clearly share our passion for heritage. The formula is there.......seek advice from professionals and act upon it and the world will view the Turkish PM in a favourable light. The alternative.......ignore advice, over-rule mitigation requirements, ensure that archaeology does not "cause" delays by destroying it and be demonised from all sides by the international community. Simples.
Sadly, some of the comments posted by guest readers have accused the Turkish PM of being friends with the Taliban and have suggested that his dismissal of the tunnel archaeology is based upon the "fact" that the archaeology is Greek in origin. Whilst this reactionary rhetoric is unlikely to help, it is a taster of the politically infused PR nightmare that the PM is likely to encounter if he persists in his current attitudes during the dam projects. The Turkish PM would do well to accept advice offered by Turkish archaeologists and academics who clearly share our passion for heritage. The formula is there.......seek advice from professionals and act upon it and the world will view the Turkish PM in a favourable light. The alternative.......ignore advice, over-rule mitigation requirements, ensure that archaeology does not "cause" delays by destroying it and be demonised from all sides by the international community. Simples.