Colby Eagles Alumni Association
Tufan Turanli, Class of 1969, Lifetime Achievements in Nautical Archaeology & Cultural Heritage Preservation
Copyright Colby Eagles Alumni Association @ 2014
Nominated by Susan Molstad Wilson, Class of 1969
It is with great pleasure & profound respect that I nominate Mr. Tufan Turanli for recognition of his extraordinary lifetime achievements in the field of nautical archaeology & his significant contributions to preserving maritime cultural heritage.
Mr. Turanli's remarkable journey began in 1969 when he arrived from Turkey as an American Field Service (AFS) Student, displaying early on the qualities of adaptability, cultural awareness. & intellectual curiosity that would define his later professional endeavors. Following his educational pursuits at Robert College in Istanbul, he embarked on what would become a distinguished career in underwater archaeology.
Mr. Turanli's contributions to the field of nautical archaeology have been both pioneering & substantial. His association with the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA), an organization founded by Dr. George F. Bass that revolutionized underwater archaeological excavation, has been particularly noteworthy. Mr. Turanli has been involved in shipwreck excavations and underwater surveys primarily off the Turkish coast since 1960, participating in some of the most significant maritime archaeological discoveries of our time.
One of his most remarkable achievements was his work on the excavation of the world's oldest known shipwreck off the coast of Turkey. As documented in National Geographic (December 1987), Mr. Turanli was photographed recovering valuable artifacts from a vessel that sank approximately 3,400 years ago. This Bronze Age shipwreck contained an unprecedented trove of pottery, weapons, copper, & tin ingots, providing invaluable insights into ancient maritime trade & technology.
His dedication to maritime archaeology extends beyond ancient history to include more recent cultural treasures. Since 2007, Mr. Turanli has led the ambitious & historically significant excavation of the Ottoman Empire frigate Ertugrul, which sank off Japan's Kii Peninsula during the Meiji Era. This project has not only recovered approximately 8,000 artifacts but has also strengthened the historical bonds between Turkey & Japan. The Ertugrul, which sank in 1890 after encountering a typhoon, represents an important chapter in diplomatic history between two nations. Mr. Turanli's commitment to preserving these artifacts led him to collaborate with Japanese preservation experts at Nara University after the passing of his wife, Berta Lledo, who had previously overseen conservation efforts for the project.
Currently serving as Project Manager for the Ocean Exploration Trust in Bodrum, Turkey, Mr. Turanli continues to advance the field of nautical archaeology through his leadership & expertise. His work has significantly contributed to the establishment of Turkey as a center for excellence in underwater archaeological research, particularly through his involvement with the Bodrum Research Center (BRC), which houses offices, conservation laboratories, and a research library dedicated to maritime archaeology.
Mr. Turanli exemplifies the qualities of a true pioneer in his field. His career spans decades of dedication to discovering, preserving, & documenting maritime heritage. Through his work with international research expeditions & his management of complex underwater archaeological projects, he has fostered cross-cultural understanding & cooperation while advancing our knowledge of human history.
His contributions extend beyond specific discoveries to include the development of methodologies & practices in underwater archaeology, the training of new generations of archaeologists, & the promotion of public awareness about maritime cultural heritage. His commitment to education is evident in his statement regarding the Ertugrul project: "I will be handing down this experience to younger people", demonstrating his dedication to ensuring the future of the discipline.
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