The problems facing palaeoanthropologists in Turkey go beyond petty disputes between colleagues (Nature 466, 176–178; 2010). They stem from the political and cultural forces generated by the country's 1980 political coup.

The Turkish education system seems to have been infiltrated by the post-coup government's religious and nationalist agenda. Innovative research is inhibited by the restrictive nature of the academic material that students may study.

Turkish palaeoanthropologists have sought to overcome such limitations by collaborating with foreign scientists. But this often disadvantages Turkish scholars: although they supply the raw materials, it is the foreign scientists who have the necessary methods, techniques, equipment and language to assess and publish fossil findings. Few palaeoanthropological papers are published by Turkish scientists alone.

In striving to compete in the international sphere, Turkish palaeoanthropologists should not overlook the need to establish a solid science base at home. By giving priority to their own Turkish-led research, they will be helping the next generation to benefit from their knowledge and experience.