Asikli Hoyuk Aşıklı Höyük is a settlement mound situated 1 km south of Kızılkaya village, along the banks of the Melendiz brook, and 25 kilometers southeast of Aksaray province. The archaeological site of Aşıklı Höyük was first inhabited during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period, around 8200 BC. Aşıklı Höyük is positioned 1120 meters above sea level, slightly surpassing the region's average altitude of 1000 meters. The surrounding landscape was shaped by erosion caused by rivers flowing through tuff deposits. This rich and varied environment encircles the Melendiz Valley, where Aşıklı Höyük is located. The nearby obsidian sources made the area a significant trade hub, with resources being exchanged as far as present-day Cyprus and Iraq. Aşıklı Höyük is recognized as the first known village in Central Anatolia. In addition to being a hunter-gatherer society, it is also one of the earliest agricultural communities. The traditional architecture of Anatolia is most clearly demonstrated by the nearby rectangular mud-brick structures found at Aşıklı Höyük. A significant historical milestone occurred here—the world’s first brain surgery was performed at Aşıklı Höyük, and the skull with surgical markings is currently displayed at the Aksaray Museum. The inhabitants of Aşıklı began to cultivate grains and plants that were previously gathered from the wild after they established their new homes. Excavations have uncovered carbonized layers containing both cultivated and wild varieties of wheat, barley, and lentils. The animal remains discovered during the excavations reveal that the most commonly hunted animals by the inhabitants were sheep, goats, wild cattle, pigs, red deer, and roe deer. Obsidian, a type of volcanic glass, is found in the geological formations of this region. It served as the primary material for tools and weapons and was used by the people of Aşıklı in various daily tasks such as hunting, butchery, shield-making, and leatherworking. After excavating over 400 buildings, only 70 individuals were found to be buried. The deceased were interred beneath the floors of the dwellings, and these burials took place while the buildings were still in use. The postures of the deceased varied: some were found in a fetal position, others lying on their left or right side, facing upwards. Some were positioned on their side, occasionally with bent knees. The orientation of the burials differed, as did the number of individuals buried together. If you have any questions or inquiries regarding Asikli Hoyuk, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply message us via WhatsApp, and we will respond as soon as possible.