In a ferment of activity during the 2013 excavation season the Boncuklu visitor centre was built and fitted out.
Designed by Onur Yilmaz, building of the centre was sponsored by the Sancak/Hedef Alliance, and built by Rasim Usta of Kayseri.
Coordinating the interpretation project was Steve Chaddock, of Australian consultants Timeline Heritage, who worked with Onur Bey to create a building inspired by those of central Anatolia. The white render, use of wooden lintels and clay roof tiles are reminiscent of many buildings in the area and Onur Bey’s design used a high-set laminated timber roof and large windows to maximize the feeling of space and use of natural light. Artificial lighting is provided internally and externally with energy efficient LED and compact fluorescent bulbs.
Keeping within the aims of the Boncuklu Project, the visitor centre provides a “site classroom” for anyone wanting to find out more about our project’s work at Boncuklu and is suited to smaller groups of visitors, being especially aimed at school children. Fitted out with information panels – attached to the walls hours before the team departed in 2013 – in both English and Turkish, the centre provides information about the site for visitors of all ages.
It is easily accessible directly from Konya and makes a good addition to a visit to Catalhoyuk, which is 10km to the south. The centre is open through the year with access via Mustafa and Kazim Guven, the site guardians, who live near the site.
Over the winter and spring the centre has weathered well and has been visited by a small but steady stream of visitors. The centre will be formally opened during an open day in September.
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