Objective
This project aims to explore the most efficient way to gain scientific knowledge of, and give means to protect, endangered sites and areas in Turkmenistan, one of the richest archaeological countries in Central Asia, whose study is relevant for comparative studies at world level. The construction of a geographical information system including exhaustive archaeological data and relevant information on the evolution of environment will be carried out.
Its construction will provide scientific data of primary importance for the study of the land use and the social organization of territories over the last 10 millennia, in highly interesting environmental conditions where alluvial sedimentation, tectonics and desertification play a key role in the patterning of human settlement. It will also provide the competent authorities with a tool for sites management, at a time when rapid agricultural development is irremediably destroying an extremely rich archaeological potential. Apart from scientific results and cultural property management, the aim of the programme is to make relevant technologies available to colleagues who know about them but have not been able to develop the necessary know-how which comes from using them at an operational level.
The project focuses on a few areas selected according to their scientific interest, the quantity and quality of data already available through traditional survey techniques, and the threat of modern development. These areas are the course of the Murghab river north of the Afghan border and its delta, the Tedzhen endoreic delta, the smaller Meana-Ca'aca system, the piedmontane area near Ashgabat and the Misrijan plain. They represent case studies for various types of environment and cultural periods and problems.
In each of these regions the project will start from the already known sites and areas, in co-operation with experienced Turkmen and Russian scientists. This will provide the basis to be extended through systematic transects and reconnaissances along the ancient irrigation channels that are still visible. Satellite imagery and aerial photographs will be systematically used. Helicopter and low-speed aircraft flights, available at low cost in the country, will be carried out when necessary, both in order to gain knowledge of the landscape and to complete photographic documentation.
The final report will provide a full description of the geographical information system tested in selected areas, together with an evaluation of data gathered through field operations.
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
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75006 Paris
France