Development process and terminology problems of underwater archeology

To most academicians, the term "underwater archaeology" connotes cultural remains that have been submerged; however, it actually has a much wider coverage to include remains ranging from boats, structures, cultural landscapes to artefactual assemblages related to all sorts of maritime activities, whether on land or under water. In this respect, it is worth reminding that a boat for example might be recovered on land, whereas a building might be partially or completely be submerged. Through time the coverage of underwater archaeology has been considerably developed and diversified, though most of them has not yet been reflected to the academic media of our country. Implementation of underwater archaeology is possible only if the research team can master on the physical condition under the surface of the water to overcome its drawbacks. Coasts are the places where marine and terrestrial morphologies meet and merge with each other, to conduct underwater archaeology, it is absolutely necessary to understand the complex geomorphological system encountered; thus, here we have scrutinized in presenting the basic features of coastal topography. The thesis will also include a conspectus of the work carried out in inland seas, lakes, riverine and lacustrine environments. The setup of the thesis has been scheduled to begin by conceptualizing archaeology in the context of its historic developments, and after presenting an overview on the diverse approaches to underwater archaeology noting most significant achievements through time and to conclude by categorized synopsis of underwater research in Turkey. Underwater surveys and excavations in Turkey are evaluated in two separate chapters by presenting the researchers, the years of studies, the periods concerned, and the sub-branches.