Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük Catalhoyuk is widely regarded as one of the earliest settlements from the Neolithic period, providing crucial insights into the initial stages of human settlement and showcasing unique examples of early domestic architecture as well as evidence of a mother goddess worship. Situated in Turkey, the Catalhoyuk site dates back to 7400 BC, and the discoveries made there have been instrumental in uncovering the origins of agriculture and the development of civilization. Catalhoyuk offers proof of social equality, with its city layout and social structure reflecting this concept. The tumulus at Catalhoyuk further supports the idea that mining has been practiced in Anatolia for millennia, alongside agriculture, hunting, and gathering since the Neolithic era. One of the most notable aspects of Catalhoyuk is that it is the first known site in the world where a city plan was depicted in wall paintings. Seals found at the site provide evidence of the significance of housing practices to its inhabitants, with early concepts of property ownership and trade in goods already in place, long before the invention of writing. The tumulus is an exceptional example of ancient architecture, with a history stretching back about 9400 years. When a family would move out of a dwelling, the structure was filled with earth, and a new one was built on top, creating the current 21-meter-high mound with 18 layers of construction, made from cob, timber, and reeds. The ceilings of the homes were made from compressed soil and reed mats, with access through a trapdoor in the ceiling and a ladder leading to the floor level. Each adobe dwelling contained a room and a storage area, with a square cooking hearth in each room. The walls were plastered and whitewashed, with yellow, red, and black pigments used to create wall paintings. Skulls of bulls, rams, and stags, along with human and animal reliefs, were found affixed to the walls using compacted clay. One of the most important findings at Catalhoyuk was the figurine of the mother goddess, symbolizing a deep respect for fertility and offering proof that beliefs during this period were focused on a powerful goddess figure. Located in the Konya Province, the Neolithic archaeological site of Catalhoyuk was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012 due to its cultural importance. If you have any questions or need more information about the Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected], or simply message us on Whatsapp, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.