On October 16, 2026, a technical field trip was organized for students from the Department of Recreation Management at the Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Tourism to Çatalhöyük—one of the most significant Neolithic settlements in the history of humanity and the process of urbanization.

The trip, which aimed to enhance students' knowledge and awareness regarding historical and cultural heritage, was led by the Dean of our Faculty, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Demirel, and Dr. İbrahim Hakkı Kaynak, a faculty member from the Department of Tourism Guidance.

During the visit, students had the opportunity to learn about the historical background of Çatalhöyük, its archaeological significance, and the settlement characteristics of the Neolithic Period. By gaining insight into the preservation of cultural heritage and its evaluation within the context of tourism, the students were able to observe their theoretical knowledge firsthand.

We extend our gratitude to Dr. Tuğçe Ertabak and expert archaeologist Numan Arslan from the Konya Metropolitan Municipality Çatalhöyük Visitor Center, as well as to Cennet Hanım—a graduate of our faculty—for their contributions and support in making this technical field trip possible.