Exploring Humanity's
Forgotten Past.
From ancient civilizations to the mysteries of the cosmos.
A new institute for the science of the past.
ARKHETA is an independent research institute, founded in 2026, dedicated to archaeology and archaeoastronomy — the study of ancient civilizations and how they understood the earth and the sky.
We are at the very beginning of our journey. Our aim is simple: to pursue careful, evidence-based research and to share our work openly and honestly as it develops.
Our areas of focus.
The disciplines that guide ARKHETA's research as we build our programme. Select an area to read more.
Founder
Sami Yusuf Aygün
Founder & Director
ARKHETA was founded by Sami Yusuf Aygün with the vision of advancing archaeological and archaeoastronomical research through scientific inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global exploration. The institute is dedicated to uncovering humanity's past while inspiring future generations through evidence-based research.
Sami Yusuf Aygün
İslam Çolak
Co-Founder & Field Director
İslam Çolak is a co-founder of ARKHETA, supporting the institute's fieldwork, research operations and conservation efforts as it takes its first steps.
Our research, openly shared.
As a young institute, our first papers are in preparation. They will be published here as our work matures.
Stellar Alignments at Göbekli Tepe: A Reassessment
S. Y. Aygün, E. Demir · Archaeoastronomy · 2025
Subsurface Radar Mapping of the Giza Necropolis
L. Haddad, M. Roux · Remote Sensing · 2025
Solar Calendars of the Early Dynastic Period
S. Y. Aygün · Ancient Writing · 2024
Hydraulic Engineering of the Angkor Basin
N. Sok, A. Verma · Ancient Engineering · 2024
Ancient DNA and the Peopling of the Andes
C. Mendoza, R. Park · Human Migration · 2023
Megalithic Acoustics and Ritual Space
İ. Çolak, S. Y. Aygün · Ancient Religion · 2023
Satellite Detection of Lost Roman Roads
M. Roux, L. Haddad · Satellite Archaeology · 2022
Photogrammetric Reconstruction of Nabataean Facades
A. Verma · Ancient Architecture · 2022
Help us uncover the past.
Independent research depends on people who believe the past is worth understanding.
Donate
Help fund our first research projects and the work ahead.
Membership
Be among the first to follow our research and join our community.
Volunteer
Lend your skills as we build our programme and outreach.
Partnerships
Collaborate with us on research, data and shared discovery.
Begin a conversation.
Whether you represent a museum, a university, the press, or simply share our curiosity — we would like to hear from you.