Eloise Jones, PhD student at the University of Liverpool and recipient of the 2024 BIAA Doughty-Wylie Scholarship, tells us about her experience of undertaking fieldwork in Türkiye.
Eloise Jones is a PhD student in the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology at the University of Liverpool and ANAMED Fellow at the Koç University Research Centre for Anatolian Civilizations. In 2024, she was awarded a BIAA Doughty-Wylie Scholarship to conduct fieldwork in Türkiye, deepening her research interest in female mythological creatures in Lycian funerary art. In this interview, Eloise shares insights into her academic journey, fieldwork experiences and future aspirations, highlighting how the BIAA and the scholarship supported her.
What sparked your interest in archaeology?
“I’m probably not alone in saying this as an archaeologist, but I’ve had a real fascination with the ancient world since I was a kid—the idea that people just like us were living lives so different to ours thousands of years ago. Later on, I became interested in how these people used art and storytelling to express themselves and their own views of who they were. Towards the end of my BA in Ancient History, I took an interest in vase paintings and I found that, in my view, the strongest connection to ancient societies came through looking directly at the material evidence they left behind. This led me to move into the realm of archaeology for my postgraduate studies. I suppose there’s a certain romanticism to the fact my research now focuses on mythology; I’m still drawn in by stories—of heroes, gods, and monsters, and what all this can tell us about who the storytellers were, and how they saw themselves.”
What drew you to Türkiye as a fieldwork location?
“While studying for my MA at Durham, I was taught by the wonderful Dr Catherine Draycott; when I approached her to discuss possible dissertation topics related to funerary iconography, she suggested I look beyond the traditional boundaries of the ‘classical’ world, to Anatolia. The region is home to a variety of rich cultures, spanning tens of thousands of years, for which there is rich archaeological evidence, and many excellent projects underway to investigate it. That conversation with Cathie has shaped the course of my research ever since, including prompting my current focus on Lycia, which is the reason for my undertaking fieldwork in south-western Türkiye.”
How did you learn about BIAA grants, and how did receiving one support your research?
“I actually worked for the BIAA for two years between my MA and PhD studies; this gave me a great insight into how research projects function, but also alerted me to opportunities for postgraduates such as travel grants like this, which then became directly relevant to me when I subsequently started my PhD. The grant I received enabled me to cover my research visa and travel expenses, as well as contribute to my daily living costs. During the first year of my PhD, I was studying part-time and working two jobs to support myself, so this grant allowed me to cover research-related costs that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to afford.”
Can you give us an overview of the fieldwork you conducted in Türkiye?
“The time I spent in Türkiye this summer had two purposes, the first of which was to participate in the Telmessos Survey project, which is a collaborative effort between the Akdeniz University and University of Liverpool. We collected data from multiple sites in and around Fethiye, recording GPS coordinates of various structures, and used V-RTI to record inscriptions and reliefs from tombs in the region. I was also able to undertake visits to sites such as Pınara, Tlos, and Xanthos in order to view, draw, and photograph in situ material that is of direct relevance to my thesis.”
What skills or insights did you gain from this experience?
“Participating in the Telmessos Survey has been really valuable to me in terms of gaining skills and experience in archaeological fieldwork, and specifically in the region relating to my studies. Due to the pandemic, I wasn’t able to undertake any fieldwork during my MA year, so it’s even more important to me to try and catch up on this skills development process as a PhD student. In addition to the practical skills of using GPS technology, site photography, and V-RTI, I have also really valued the experience of working in a collaborative project with Turkish colleagues, improving my language skills, and learning more about the culture.”
Had you visited the BIAA premises in Ankara before? If yes, what was the purpose of your visit?
“Following my participation in the Telmessos Survey, I spent a week in Ankara using the BIAA’s library facilities to complete further research for my thesis, as they have a large collection of specialist texts on Anatolian archaeology, as well as a back catalogue of the institute’s journal, Anatolian Studies. I was fortunate during this time to be able to stay at the BIAA’s guesthouse, which was free of charge to me as a grant recipient.”
How do you think this fieldwork will shape your future studies or career in archaeology?
“Taking part in this fieldwork in Lycia has only made me more keen to continue doing so, with my next aim being to gain experience in an excavation project. My thesis relates to iconography, which may lead some people to view it as firmly within the domain of art history. However, my experience of fieldwork in this region has underscored to me how important it is to my current and future research to be able to navigate and understand the archaeological and geographical contexts of the images I’m studying, so I’m absolutely keen to continue working in the field.”
Are you planning to continue working in Türkiye?
“Of course! I’m based in Istanbul this year, working on my PhD research at the Koç University Research Centre for Anatolian Civilizations, and I’m also hoping to be back working on the Telmessos Survey this summer, continuing to develop my skills as a researcher against the backdrop of those incredible Lycian landscapes.”
What advice would you give to other students interested in pursuing archaeological fieldwork abroad?
“I’d suggest asking your supervisor or department about possible opportunities to take part in fieldwork abroad. I was lucky enough that my PhD supervisor is helping lead the survey project I’ve worked on, but even if this isn’t the case, your supervisor, lecturer, or head of department may know somebody else with a project that aligns with your academic interests, whether that’s related to a specific region or period, or more to do with broadening your archaeological skillset. If funding is an issue, the project itself may be able to cover your participation, or there may be grants available from your university (or institutions like the BIAA!) which are aimed precisely at supporting you to participate in this kind of work. The chance to experience a different culture, landscape, and archaeological material is something really special, and I can’t recommend it enough.”
Check out the BIAA open calls for applications here.