In Memory of Dr. Sachihiro Omura: A Life Devoted to Anatolia

Dr. Sachihiro Omura, a renowned Japanese archaeologist and one of the key figures in fostering academic and cultural ties between Japan and Türkiye, passed away in Kırşehir. With over five decades of dedication to Anatolian archaeology, Omura left behind an extraordinary legacy.

A Scholar’s Journey from Japan to Türkiye

Born in Japan in either 1948 or 1949, Dr. Omura first arrived in Türkiye in 1972 as a young student. Inspired by a newspaper article and driven by curiosity, his story took a remarkable turn when he met Turgut Özal—then a high-ranking Turkish official—which eventually led to his move to Türkiye.

That encounter marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to Anatolia’s rich historical layers.

Leading the Kalehöyük Excavations Since 1985

From 1985 onward, Dr. Omura led excavations at Kalehöyük in Kaman, Kırşehir. Under his leadership, archaeologists unearthed layers of civilizations dating back over 5,500 years, including remnants from the Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods.

In his own words:

“This is where the world’s history lies. Anatolia is not only Türkiye’s past—it is part of humanity’s shared heritage.”

Unlike regions with singular cultural layers such as Egypt or parts of Italy, Anatolia offered a unique, multi-layered cultural record that fascinated Omura throughout his career.

Science Meets Cultural Diplomacy

In 1998, Omura founded the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology (JIAA) in the village of Çağırkan. This institution became a hub for archaeological research in the region. The Kaman-Kalehöyük Archaeological Museum and the accompanying Japanese Garden Project further solidified cultural ties between the two nations.

International Recognition

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Omura was awarded the State Medal of Distinguished Service by the Turkish government in 2008 and the Order of the Rising Sun by Japan.

In early 2025, on the occasion of his 77th birthday, the book “It All Began with Stratigraphy and Chronology” was published, documenting his academic contributions and lifelong dedication to Central Anatolian archaeology.

A Life Rooted in Kaman

Dr. Omura spent 11 months each year in Türkiye and only one month in Japan. He lived with his wife, Dr. Masako Omura—also an archaeologist and head of the Yassıhöyük excavations—on the premises of the institute he helped build.

This article was developed based on an original report by Hilal Uştuk, published via Anadolu Agency.