Aug 27, 2015
Halet Çambel’s 99th Birthday
This Doodle’s Key Themes
So much of the world’s crucial history is trapped under ground, waiting for the right person to dig it up and interpret it for the betterment of humankind. Findings from archaeologists like Turkey’s Halet Çambel help us understand how our planet’s story has unfolded so we can use history’s lessons to create a better future.
After earning her doctorate from the University of Istanbul in 1940, Çambel fought tirelessly for the advancement of archaeology. She helped preserve some of Turkey’s most important archaeological sites near the Ceyhan River and established an outdoor museum at Karatepe. There, she broke ground on one of Earth’s oldest known civilizations by discovering a Phoenician alphabet tablet that unlocked the code to Hittite hieroglyphics. Her work won her a Prince Claus Award for preserving Turkish cultural heritage.
As if her discoveries weren't inspiring enough, Çambel was also an accomplished athlete. In fact, she was the first Muslim woman to compete in the Olympics, in fencing in 1936.
Created by Doodler Kevin Laughlin, today’s Doodle depicts Çambel hard at work discovering the Phoenician tablet. Earlier drafts show her drawing the Hittite frieze and decoding the Hittite hieroglyphics. In the end, the Doodle showcasing Halet immersed in her workspace won out.
Check out some cool artifacts from Hittite culture on the Google Cultural Institute.
Concept Sketches by Kevin Laughlin
Where this Doodle appeared
Discover more Doodles by color
Did you know?
The very first Doodle launched as an “out of office” message of sorts when company founders Larry and Sergey went on vacation.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first Doodle launched in 1998, before Google was officially incorporated.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first same day Doodle was created in 2009 when water was discovered on the moon.
Learn MoreDid you know?
Doodle for Google student contest winners have gone on to become professional artists
Learn MoreDid you know?
The time it takes from sketch to launch for a Doodle varies widely: some have taken years and others just a few hours!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Hundreds of Doodles launch around the world every year. Often, several different ones are live in different places at the same time!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Our most frequently recurring Doodle character is Momo the Cat - named after a real-life team pet!
Learn More