How did Mehmet Kusman begin his quest to learn the Urartian language?

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Mehmet Kusman's Journey into the Urartian Language Began with Excavation Work

Mehmet Kusman's lifelong dedication to learning the Urartian language commenced in the 1960s when he was employed as a labourer at the Cavustepe excavations. It was at this archaeological site that he first encountered a stele inscribed with the ancient script, sparking his determination to decipher it. Despite initial discouragement from the excavation's director due to the script's complexity, Kusman resolved to master it, famously stating his lifelong ambition to learn the language.
Early Encounters and Unwavering Resolve

During his time as a labourer on the Cavustepe excavations in the 1960s, following his military service, Kusman's path crossed with an ancient stele. The inscription, described as "very beautiful," captured his attention. However, the head of the excavation discouraged his interest, deeming the cuneiform script, which borrowed from Assyrian, "very difficult." This dismissal fueled Kusman's resolve, leading him to declare, "In my lifetime, I will learn it."
A Dedication to Decipherment

Driven by his commitment, Kusman began the arduous process of copying the inscriptions found during excavations across eastern Turkey, Iran, and Armenia, regions once encompassed by the Urartu kingdom. This self-directed study, undertaken despite his limited formal education, eventually led to his mastery of the Urartian alphabet within three years. His dedication extended over two decades, accumulating a vocabulary of approximately 650 words.
Academic Perspectives on Kusman's Endeavours

While academics acknowledge Kusman's enthusiasm and devotion to Urartian culture, they also offer a more nuanced view of his linguistic claims. Professor Erkan Konyar from Istanbul University noted that while inscriptions provide some understanding, a significant lack of vocabulary and texts means that definitive claims of speaking Urartian are not academically supported, as the exact pronunciation remains unknown. Mehmet Isikli, director of Near Eastern Archaeology at Ataturk University, further clarified that the language was primarily written and not spoken even during the Urartian era, suggesting Kusman's knowledge is limited to general information and a few alphabetical signs.

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How did Mehmet Kusman begin his quest to learn the Urartian language?

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