Daniş Baykan is a Professor of Classical Archaeology at Trakya University's Faculty of Letters, Department of Archaeology. He currently serves as the Head of the Department of Classical Archaeology (2022-2025) and holds multiple administrative positions including membership on the Faculty Board and Social Sciences Institute Board. Current Position: Professor and Department Head at Trakya University Academic Leadership: Department Head (2022-2025), Faculty Board Representative Research Focus: Nif Mountain Excavations since 2006, with continuous fieldwork through 2024 Baykan earned his undergraduate degree from Çanakkale 18 Mart University (1997), followed by a Master's (2002) and Doctorate (2009) from Istanbul University, all in Classical Archaeology. His doctoral thesis focused on medical instruments from Allianoi under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Elif Tül Tulunay. He progressed through academic ranks from Research Assistant (2002) to Associate Professor (2014) and finally to Professor (2019). Daniş Baykan's research spans multiple specialized areas within archaeology, with particular emphasis on archaeometallurgy and ancient medical history. His work on ancient metal production technologies has established him as a leading expert in Anatolian metallurgy during the 1st millennium BC. His studies on medical instruments from Allianoi have contributed significantly to understanding ancient healthcare practices. Baykan's research methodology combines traditional archaeological analysis with experimental archaeology, as evidenced by his participation in metal furnace construction projects. His interdisciplinary approach connects material culture with social practices, examining how artifacts reflect ancient social structures and daily life. Analysis of Baykan's recent publications reveals a strong focus on metallurgical studies, particularly related to the Nif Mountain excavations. His work demonstrates expertise in analyzing metal artifacts, workshop organization, and production techniques from the Archaic through Roman periods. A significant portion of his research examines medical instruments and healthcare practices in antiquity, with particular attention to the Balkans during the Roman period. His publications show increasing specialization in archaeometallurgy, with detailed studies of arrowheads, jewelry production, and industrial facilities. The geographical focus remains primarily on Western Anatolia, particularly the Nif Mountain region, with comparative studies extending to broader Anatolian contexts. Beyond his research contributions, Baykan has been actively involved in academic service as an editor for MASROP E-Dergi and as a member of the advisory boards for TUBA-AR and ARMA journals. His peer review activities span numerous prestigious archaeological publications, demonstrating his standing within the academic community. As an educator and mentor, Baykan has supervised numerous graduate students and taught a wide range of courses covering Archaic and Roman sculpture, ancient social life, Anatolian archaeology, and specialized topics in archaeometallurgy. His research grants, particularly from TÜBAP, have consistently supported fieldwork at Nif Mountain and related metallurgical studies. His leadership in the Nif Mountain Research and Excavation Project since 2006 demonstrates sustained commitment to long-term archaeological investigation. Beyond his university position, Baykan maintains active participation in professional organizations including the Archaeologists Association (Izmir and Istanbul branches) and the Turkish Institute of Ancient Sciences Association, where he serves on the Board of Directors. His work bridges academic research with practical archaeological fieldwork and conservation efforts.
