The Use of Computer Graphics Technologies in Archaeological Research on the Example of Çatalhöyük

Abstract

Archaeological research conducted over the years at Çatal­höy­ük has produced data-based interpretations of Neolithic buildings. Mo­d­ern 3D technologies allow us to create a multifaceted archae­ologi­cal discourse about the material culture and unique urban envi­ronment of Çatalhöyük. The article aims to highlight the role of 3D technologies in the dissemination of archaeological data. It discu­sses the virtual restoration projects of Çatalhöyük, showing the theoretical foundations and results of these initiatives. The application of the cyb­erarchaeology approach is presented, whose main research goals are the creation of real-time data simulations and the interaction between users and the virtual environment. These initiatives focused on the 3D virtualization of excavations and the virtual reality software of the data. Including the Dig@IT software, which was developed spe­cific­ally for Çatalhöyük. In short, the paper discusses in detail the res­e­arch questions and results obtained within the framework of the projects implemented in Çatalhöyük and how these results led to the adoption of diverse digital products in the form of 3D data collections and adv­anced visualization systems.