Scope and Contents

Addressed 'Vagan Li-Kook, Galata, Stamboul', dated 4 January 1936. Stewart has called upon 'Aziz Bey' (Bey Aziz Ogan, Director General of the National Museum of Istanbul) who will provide an introduction to Hamid Karsay Bey. He has also visited Professor Gabrielle (sic) of the French Institute who introduced him to Pierre Devambez. Stewart describes the displays in the National Museum. The Stewarts dined with the Bittels and discussed the finds at the cemetery of Balikesir.

Scope and Contents

Dated 3 February 1936. Hamid Kersay (Karsai) has granted him a permit for Balikesir. The Yortan pottery in the National Museum will be photographed. He discusses a proposal made by Professor Baxter to found a British School in Istanbul and Stewart gives all his reasons why he thinks this would be a bad idea. He went to visit the (Greek Orthodox) Patriarch.

Scope and Contents Dated 11 May 1936. Probably written in Istanbul. Stewart and Bittel are at odds over the latter's decision to challenge excavation permit fees and the Commissioner in charge of administering them. Stewart is determined to press on with the dig in Balikesir, even if Bittel decides not to join him. He discusses the most popular type of forgery currently on sale in the bazaar - 'Black sea "Ionian" pottery, especially the Ashmolean Rhytons'. Although the forger is now dead, his son continues a...

Scope and Contents Dated 15 May 1936. Probably written in Istanbul. Stewart believes his dig in Balikesir will not happen (on account of Bittel meddling in the permit process) and his opportunity 'of doing useful original work on Jortan ware is gone'. He writes of another Syro-Hittite gold figurine, similar to that found by Chantre at Yozgad, which was bought pre war from a dealer in Aleppo. Stewart intends to write a paper on the object, positing that both figuries are forgeries. He asks AJBW's opinion on the...

Scope and Contents Dated 5 May 1936. Probably written in Istanbul. Stewart discusses the trials and tribulations of acquiring dig permits with limited time and funds. He discusses the skeletal finds from Balikesir and the potential exchange of antiquities between collections in Cambridge and Ankara. Sherds are being photographed and drawn (by Eleanor) for a report on their work so far. Stewart discusses Hasluck's topographical identifications around Cyzicus (i.e. in Balikesir province). Stewart and his wife...