The forensic archaeological approach to the crime scene and the importance of the type of burial

In forensic cases, a crime scene investigation in compliance with the international standards provides identification of skeletal remains, as well as yielding information as to subjects such as the reason and time of death of the individual. For this, the remains must be located as the first thing. Especially with older burials, disturbance of the surface due to the effects of environmental factors makes it harder to determine whether the burial is forensic or archeological. After the burial is located, remains and the evidence surrounding it must be excavated in good condition in company with forensic archeologists, and with loyalty to the book. In an excavation conducted without scientific methods, for instance with construction equipment, the features of the grave will be destroyed, and the bones will be damaged. At this point, the localization and the type of burial of the body is also important regarding the enlightening of the case because the type of burial and placement position of the body is used as reference in determining forensic cases. Alongside the proper opening of the area of burial or grave, that the excavation team is informed of types of burial also gives information on the origins of the remains. Since the ancient ages to-day, the deceased have been buried with various rituals in different civilizations, different cultures, and different belief systems. For instance, in Urartians, there was the tradition of the body being buried in the pit in the “hocker” position. In some societies, goods are left with the body. While individuals are buried in a shroud with their hands on their both sides in Islamic belief, in Christianity, people are buried with their clothes on, and women’s hands clasped together on the chest, and men’s hands clasped on the belly. Assessments delivered by experts will determine the direction of the study, without the need of any further forensic investigation.The purpose of this study is to discuss with an archeological approach the contribution of different types of burials to enlighten the origins of an incident, and discrimination of findings demonstrating archeological features from forensic cases, as well as to contribute to the literature.