Interaction with Geosciences in the Modern Museum Approach: The Case of the Batman-Hasankeyf Museum

The modern museology approach increasingly emphasizes the integration of earth sciences with archaeology to provide a holistic understanding of natural and cultural heritage. While traditional museums often isolate artifacts from their environmental contexts, contextualizing them within geological, geomorphological, and paleogeographical frameworks fosters scientific literacy, environmental awareness, and critical thinking. Addressing the gap in holistic heritage presentation, this study examines the newly opened Batman-Hasankeyf Museum as a pioneering model in Turkey that seamlessly merges geosciences with archaeology. Designed as a qualitative case study, the research employs on-site observations, content analysis of exhibition techniques, and comprehensive field surveys. The findings reveal that the museum's dedicated Earth Sciences Hall effectively utilizes interactive technologies, 3D block diagrams, and geological time scales to illustrate the dynamic relationship between ancient human settlements and their paleogeographical environment in Upper Mesopotamia. Ultimately, the study concludes that this multidisciplinary integration represents a significant paradigm shift in Turkish museology, transforming static artifact displays into a dynamic geoarchaeological narrative. Enhancing the promotion of such integrated models and adopting advanced immersive technologies in future practices will be crucial for engaging diverse global audiences and preserving unique cultural and geological heritages.