The fieldwork for the 2026 season of the "Kastamonu Province, Inebolu-Bozkurt-Abana Districts Surface Survey (KİBAYA)" Project, led by Associate Professor Dr. H. Asena Kızılarslanoğlu from the Department of Archeology at Kastamonu University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, has been completed.

Accompanying the work carried out with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums were the Ministry Representative, Çankırı Museum Expert Archeologist Halit Ersoy, as well as our university's Lecturer Dr. Özgür Yeni and Expert Archeologist Berkay Kavak. 

In studies conducted with the support of our university, the Kastamonu Governorship, the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, and public institutions and local stakeholders in the region, field surveys were conducted in the residential areas of the İnebolu, Bozkurt, and Abana districts.  

Within the scope of the research, archeological data dating back approximately 2300 years were identified, and significant findings related to the region's ancient history were reached.

During field studies, meetings were held with village headmen and local residents to provide information on the research's purpose and scope, as well as on the preservation and sustainability of cultural heritage. It is planned to present the obtained archaeological and cultural heritage data to the public through a book to be prepared. 

1st and 2nd-year students from our University's Archeology Department also participated in the project. Our students participated in the survey studies conducted despite the challenging terrain and weather conditions, becoming practically involved in the methodological processes of surface research. Thus, they had the opportunity to experience their theoretical knowledge in the field and to develop their professional skills. 

The KİBAYA Project's 2026 season of fieldwork contributed to documenting Kastamonu's cultural heritage while also enabling the emergence of new data on the region's ancient history.

Research Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. H. Asena Kızılarslanoğlu stated that the ongoing studies are not limited to the identification of archeological data but are also important for the preservation of cultural heritage and its transfer to future generations, and made the following assessment: "As part of the 2026 season studies, we obtained significant data regarding the ancient history of our region. The findings obtained from the surface surveys contribute to a more comprehensive evaluation of Kastamonu's historical accumulation. In addition, our students' active participation in the field provided valuable practical experience. The communication with the local community and the awareness-raising activities regarding cultural heritage were also important aspects of the work.