Dr. Sachihiro Omura, a renowned Japanese archaeologist and founder of the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology (JIAA), has died at the age of 76 in Kırşehir, Turkey. He was known for leading excavations at Kaman-Kalehöyük since 1985, contributing significantly to the understanding of Anatolian history and fostering cultural exchange between Japan and Turkey.
Arriving in Turkey in 1972 and commencing excavations at Kaman-Kalehöyük in 1985, Dr. Omura dedicated his life to unearthing the region's rich past. His work revealed remnants of multiple civilizations, with a particular focus on the Hittite period, uncovering 5,500 years of cultural heritage. The JIAA, established in 1998, became a vital hub for archaeological research in the region.
Dr. Omura's contributions extended beyond archaeological discoveries. He received the Turkish State Distinguished Service Medal in 2008 and the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, recognizing his role as a cultural bridge between Japan and Turkey. His legacy endures through the Kaman-Kalehöyük Archaeology Museum and the ongoing research at the site, which continues to provide insights into ancient Anatolian civilizations. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy expressed his sorrow, acknowledging Omura as a key figure in Turkish-Japanese friendship.