↓Skip to main content

About

Prof. Dr. Recep Meriç is a distinguished academic and expert in the fields of archaeology, and cultural history.

With a career spanning over several decades, Prof. Dr. Meriç has made significant contributions to the understanding of Anatolian civilizations and has led numerous archaeological projects that have unearthed the rich cultural heritage of the region.

portrait
Prof. Dr. Recep Meriç

Academic Background and Expertise #

Prof. Dr. Meriç earned his Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology from Vienna University in 1977, following a B.A. in Classical Archaeology from Ankara University. His doctoral dissertation focused on field archaeological research in Metropolis, Ionia, reflecting his deep interest in the ancient civilizations of Anatolia. Throughout his academic career, Prof. Dr. Meriç has been recognized as an authority on subjects such as archaeology, mythology, cultural history, and tourism guidance.

Professional Journey and Contributions #

Beginning his professional journey as a staff member at the Sardis excavation conducted by Harvard and Cornell Universities, Prof. Dr. Meriç has held various roles in archaeological research and academia. He has been a pivotal figure in projects such as the historical-topographical research in Cologne, Germany, and extensive archaeological and restoration works in Alaşehir and Metropolis. His expertise has also been sought after in prestigious institutions, serving as a member of the Austrian and German Archaeological Institutes.

Metropolis: A Key Focus #

One of the crowning achievements of Prof. Dr. Meriç’s career has been his extensive work on the ancient city of Metropolis, located in the heart of Ionia. As the Scientific Director of the Archaeological and Restoration Works at Metropolis from 1992 to 2006, Prof. Dr. Meriç led a series of groundbreaking excavations that have brought to light significant findings about this ancient city. His research at Metropolis has provided invaluable insights into the city’s role as a major center of culture, religion, and trade in the ancient world.

Metropolis, often referred to as the “City of the Mother Goddess,” was a focal point in Prof. Dr. Meriç’s research, reflecting his deep interest in the religious and cultural practices of ancient Anatolia. His studies have revealed intricate details about the urban development, religious architecture, and daily life in Metropolis, making his contributions crucial to the understanding of this significant archaeological site.

Publications and Research #

Prof. Dr. Meriç has a prolific record of publications, including articles in international journals, book chapters, and reports presented at international symposiums. His research has shed light on various aspects of Anatolian civilizations, from pre-Bronze Age settlements to Hellenistic and Roman ceramics. Below is a selected list of his works:

Publications in International Journals #

  • Meriç, R. “Excavation at Bademgediği Tepe (Puranda) 1999-2002: A Preliminary Report." Istanbuler Mitteilungen, 2003, pp. 79-98.
  • Meriç, R., & Mountjoy, P. “Three Mycenaean Vases from Ionia." Istanbuler Mitteilungen 51, 2001, pp. 133-137.
  • Meriç, R., & Schachner, A. “Ein Stempelsiegel des spaten 2. Jahrtausends v. Chr. aus Metropolis in Ionien." Studi Micenei ed Egeo-Anatolici XLII/1, 2000, pp. 85-102.
  • Meriç, R., & Nolle, J. “Eine archaische Inschrift aus dem Gebiet von Smyrna." Chiron, 1988.
  • Meriç, R. “Neue ostgriechische Grabreliefs aus Ionien und Lydien. Mit einem historisch-topographischen Exkurs." Jahresheften des Österreichischen Archäologischen Institutes 62 Hauptblatt, 1993, pp. 57-75.
  • Meriç, R. “Pre-Bronze Age settlements of West-central Anatolia." Anatolica XIX, 1993.
  • Meriç, R. “Rekonstruktionsversuch der Kolossalstatue des Domitian in Ephesos." Pro Arte Antiqua. Festschrift H. Kenner, Vienna, 1983.
  • Meriç, R. “Zur Lage Des Ephesischen Aussenhafens Panormos." Lebendige Altertumswissenschaft, 1985.

Books and Book Chapters #

  • Meriç, R. “İzmir’in Gizli Kültür Cevherleri." Konak Belediyesi Yayınevi, 2012.
  • Meriç, R. “Das Hinterland von Ephesos." Austrian Archaeological Institute, Vol. 12, Vienna, 2009.
  • Meriç, R. “Metropolis: City of the Mother Goddess." 2003.
  • Meriç, R. “Metropolis Ana Tanrıça Kenti." 2003.
  • Meriç, R. “Späthellenistisch-römische Keramik und Kleinfunde aus einem Schachtbrunnen am Staatsmarkt in Ephesos." Vienna, 2002.
  • Meriç, R. “Metropolis Kazılarının İlk 5 Yılı." Istanbul, 1996.
  • Meriç, R. “Metropolis." Istanbul, 1992.
  • Meriç, R. “Metropolis in Ionien." 1983.
  • Meriç, R. “Ephesos: An Archaeological Guide." 1971.

Papers Presented and Published in International Symposiums #

  • Meriç, R., Öz, A. K., Ekin, A., & Uluşans, G. “Metropolis 2001 Yılı Kazı Raporu." XXIV. Kazı Sonuçları Toplantısı, Ankara, 2002.
  • Meriç, R., Öz, A. K., & Ekin, A. “Metropolis 2000 Yılı Kazı Raporu." XXIII. Kazı Sonuçları Toplantısı II, Ankara, 2001.
  • Meriç, R., Ersoy, A., Meriç, Ş., Topantaş, G., Ekin, A., & Öz, A. “Metropolis 1998 Yılı Kazı Raporu." XXI. Kazı Sonuçları Toplantısı II, 1999.
  • Meriç, R. “Metropolis 1997 Yılı Kazı Raporu." XX. Kazı Sonuçları Toplantısı II, Tarsus, 1998.
  • Meriç, R. “Metropolis 1996 Yılı Kazı Raporu." XIX. Kazı Sonuçları Toplantısı II, Ankara, 1998.
  • Meriç, R., & Ersoy, A. “Metropolis 1995 Yılı Kazı Raporu." XVIII. Kazı Sonuçları Toplantısı II, Ankara, 1996.
  • Meriç, R., & Ersoy, A. “1994 Yılı Metropolis Kazı Çalışmaları." Ankara, 1995.
  • Meriç, R. “1990 Yılı Alaşehir Kazısı." XIII. Kazı Sonuçları Toplantısı II, Ankara, 1992.
  • Meriç, R. “1988 Yılı Alaşehir Kazısı." XI. Kazı Sonuçları Toplantısı I, Ankara, 1990.
  • Meriç, R. “1987 Yılı Alaşehir Kazısı." X. Kazı Sonuçları Toplantısı I, Ankara, 1989.
  • Meriç, R. “1982 Yılı İzmir-Aydın-Manisa illerinde Tarihsel Coğrafya Konulu Yüzey Araştırmaları Raporu." Ankara, 1982.
  • Meriç, R. “Metropolis Yakınındaki Hitit Çağdaşı bir Arzawa Kenti." İzmir Kent Kültürü Dergisi, February 2002.

Teaching and Academic Leadership #

Currently, Prof. Dr. Meriç is a valued member of the faculty at Yaşar University’s Department of Tourism Management, where he continues to impart his vast knowledge to students. His teaching portfolio includes courses on the history of architecture, art, urban archaeology, and mythology. He has also played a key role in developing academic programs, including the founding of the Department of Archaeology at Dokuz Eylül University.

A Passion for Culture and Education #

Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Prof. Dr. Meriç is passionate about preserving and promoting cultural heritage. His blog serves as a platform to share insights from his research, updates on ongoing projects, and discussions on topics ranging from archaeology to tourism. It is a space where students, colleagues, and anyone with an interest in ancient civilizations and cultural history can engage with the wealth of knowledge that Prof. Dr. Meriç has to offer.

↑