Archaeologist Çambel commemorated and laid to rest in Muğla

MUĞLA - Anadolu Agency

A commemoration program was held for Halet Çambel in the garden of the Karatepe-Aslantaş Open Air Museum, to where she dedicated her life.

Archaeologist Halet Çambel, one of the most significant names in Turkish archaeology who died on Jan. 12 aged 98, was laid to rest on Jan. 15 in Akyaka in the western province of Muğla’s Ula. 

A ceremony was held at the Muğla Sıtı Koçman University (MSKÜ) Atatürk Culture Center for Çambel, who established the first open-air museum in Osmaniye and dedicate her life to this region. Boğaziçi University Rector Professor Gülay Barbarosoğlu said, “Halet Hoca was natural, sincere, brave and a woman like a man. She is a scientist that has become a symbol and a legend for everyone. Our mission is to protect her values and transfer them to the next generations.”

Çambel’s coffin, which was carried to the garden of the center following the speeches, was sent to Akyaka. She was brought to her home first and buried after the afternoon prayer. President Abdullah Gül and Culture and Tourism Minister Ömer Çelik sent wreathes to the ceremony. 

On the same day, Çambel was also commemorated at the Karatepe-Aslantaş Open Air Museum, where she spent her 62 years. Kadirli Distrit Governor Necip Çakmak said that Karatepe owned many things to Çambe, adding, “Çambel spent her youth here to reveal the values of this country. We cannot stay away from technology, hot water even for two days. But Çambel, away from civilization and technology, revealed many artifacts here, sometimes working with an oil lamp on a horse.” 

Art director Arif Keskiner said that he was with Çambel in her last hours and she ate her favorite desserts during his visit. “She was not able to speak because of flu. She smiled when I told her I would go to Osmaniye and send her compliments.”