So after almost three years of living and studying in Istanbul, last Tuesday I finally defended my thesis. I'm still sort of amazed that I actually finished writing it since it has seemed like such an unending process for the past two years. These past 9 months especially have really tested my endurance since I haven't had any courses or a job, so I have spent most of my time working in the library, at school or cafes around the city. I'm still not quite sure how I managed to get through but having a nice apartment with good roommates helped make me feel a bit more secure, going home for two months helped break up the monotony and I suppose my enthusiasm and interest in the topic didn't hurt. I did seem to care a lot about the outcome which I think pushed me to actually work and finish the thesis.
Just to quickly summarize, my thesis is a preliminary study towards a site management plan for Alalakh, a Bronze Age (c. 2000 BC) excavation located in southern Turkey directed by my adviser. It has changed a lot since my draft in June but I think is better for all the comment, criticism and editing I had to endure since October. So a Management Plan is a document, recommended for heritage sites by the World Heritage Center at UNESCO, that sets out to explain and organize the current situations of a site, including its significance, values, threats, opportunities, development and conservation plans and then followed by strategies for actually implementing any future plans. Its very much a practical document and can actually be used and applied. My thesis had some aspects for application but also included more general discussions of site management practices at other sites in Turkey in order to contextualize the situation at Alalakh and to propose suggestions for future implementation strategies.
One of the exciting aspects which also helped me finish the thesis was being told that my advisor wanted to me to continue with this project and really take on the responsibility of executing and implementing the projects. Also, one of the main aspects is the issue of applying for funding which can be a full time job on its own. And since she has been doing it for the past ten years she wants someone who can take the time to apply and be in a position to include their own salary into the grant applications. This summer I will actually be starting work on designing and installing some preliminary information panels for Alalakh, and at the neighboring site of Tell Tayinat. Hopefully we will also be able to continue some of the community outreach programs we started last summer and maybe come up with some real ideas for helping them sustain their communities.
As for my post-summer, post-master's life for September it has yet to be decided. My attempts at applying for positions to continue work back in the US didn't work out, granted they were real reaches, so I am back to square one. I have applied to continue studies at my university here in Istanbul so we will see if that works out. It does seem to make sense if I want to work in this country or in this region where there is still work to do in Cultural Heritage, unlike in the United States where it is pretty established and also I just have no interest in working in preserving American Heritage. I studied Greek and now Turkish history so my background is based on Mediterranean cultures, therefore it makes sense to continue my studies and experience here, where I can really develop connections and projects. We will see if they accept me, first of all, or if I come up with some other grand plan by the end of the summer.
I do, of course, miss living closer to my family and friends in the States but living in Istanbul is pretty fantastic. And at this point I do have more connections and more opportunities for work here than in the States. Also, I figured I can just refuse to return until everyone comes to visit me here and thereby understand why I love this city :) Who knows where life will take me...so far its been a pretty unexpected but sensible ride. Sometimes its terrifying, but most of the time it is exciting to realize what I can do with my life and where I have been and what I have done so far. At the moment its a little scary though...especially after applying to PhD programs that are five year commitments which means if I start when I'm 27, next fall, I would be 32 when I finished...craziness! hah!
I guess its good to just take it one step at a time and right now I have to finish editing the thesis so it can officially be turned in and I can get my diploma. Then prepare work for the summer and then deal with the rest of life...alright...library time...
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