[Turkey, photographed by Mar Cerdeira: not the Çatalhöyük]
One of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Turkey is Çatalhöyük, an ancient city that offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Neolithic people over 9,000 years ago. Located in the Konya Plain, Çatalhöyük is considered one of the earliest urban centres, dating back to around 7500 BCE.
What makes Çatalhöyük particularly intriguing is its distinctive architecture and social organisation. Unlike modern cities with streets and open spaces, Çatalhöyük was a sprawling settlement where homes were built closely together in a honeycomb-like pattern, with no streets separating them. Instead, the inhabitants entered their homes through holes in the roofs and used ladders to move between different levels. Interestingly, this design provided added protection against invaders and predators.
Inside these homes, archaeologists have discovered a wealth of artefacts that shed light on the daily lives, beliefs, and practices of the city's inhabitants. The walls of many houses are adorned with elaborate murals, depicting scenes of hunting, dancing, and even abstract designs. These artworks suggest that the people of Çatalhöyük had a rich symbolic and cultural life.
Also, Çatalhöyük is notable for its apparent egalitarian social structure. Excavations have not revealed significant disparities in the size or decoration of homes, implying a relatively equal society without a pronounced hierarchy. This is in stark contrast to many later urban centres where social hierarchy was quite evident.
The city also provides evidence of early agricultural practices. The inhabitants cultivated crops, like wheat, and domesticated animals such as sheep and goats. This shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled farming communities marks a significant milestone in human history, known as the Neolithic Revolution.
Çatalhöyük offers an extraordinary window into the Neolithic way of life, making it a treasure trove for archaeologists and historians. Its unique urban design, rich artistic expression, and egalitarian social organisation continue to captivate researchers and visitors alike, providing invaluable insights into the dawn of civilization.
When you explore the ancient city of Çatalhöyük, you are not just walking among ruins but stepping into a vibrant tapestry of human history that laid the foundations for the complex societies we live in today.