The interpretation of archaeological sites begins before the archaeologists arrive. They already have some ideas through their readings about other sites of the same period or what earlier archaeologists discovered. At Çatalhöyük they have their own expectations and interests: some may be interested in ancient agriculture, while others study ancient art. But as soon as the trowel is put into the ground, these pre-interpretations must respond to what is found. As the trowel follows colors and textures in the soil and uncovers artefacts and their associations, interpretations must change. The problem is that archaeology is destructive; the trowel finds but also removes the evidence of associations between artefacts, floors, and burials. It will never be possible later to check whether the excavator got it right by re-digging. That is why the moment of interpretation or re-interpretation at the trowel’s edge is so important. The moment of excavation can never be reenacted. So, it is crucial that excavators have as much information as possible while they are digging. Hence, the excavations at Çatalhöyük are carried out by professional excavators.

At Çatalhöyük, the laboratories are located next to the site. In this way, the specialists can give feedback (in priority tours) to the excavators quickly as they continue to dig. The moment of excavation is surrounded by as much information as possible so that interpretation at the trowel’s edge can be improved. In addition, archaeologists try to record as much as possible of the context of discovery so that others can later re-interpret what has been found and revisit interpretations that have been made. That is why they keep diaries and make videos to document the process.