Çatalhöyük Neolithic Site – Çumra, Konya
Çatalhöyük is a massive Neolithic and Chalcolithic settlement dating back to 7400–6200 BC, widely regarded as one of the most significant heritage sites in human history. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012.
The site is crucial for understanding the origins of agriculture, the transition to sedentary life, and early urbanization models. It features unique characteristics such as mudbrick houses built back-to-back with roof access (no streets) and the practice of burying the dead beneath house floors. Wall paintings, reliefs, and "Mother Goddess" figurines indicate a rich symbolic and artistic life.
Highlights:
- Mounds: Consists of two main mounds, East and West. 18 levels of occupation have been identified.
- Art: Wall murals depicting hunting scenes, leopards, vultures, and geometric patterns.
- Architecture: Doorless, clustered houses representing a roof-based lifestyle.
Sources
- UNESCO – Çatalhöyük
- Wikipedia – Çatalhöyük
- Çatalhöyük Research Project