Çatalhöyük Neolithic City

Çatalhöyük Neolithic City: One of Humanity’s First Settlements

Located in Çumra district of Konya, Çatalhöyük Neolithic City is an archaeological heritage site that witnessed one of the most significant phases in human history: the transition to settled life, the beginning of agriculture, and the development of hunting. Covering an area of 14 hectares, this ancient city was continuously inhabited between 7400 - 5200 BCE, serving as one of the most crucial pieces of evidence showing how early village life evolved into urbanization.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, Çatalhöyük is considered one of the world's oldest settlements, renowned for its strong artistic and cultural traditions, dense population, and unique architecture.

The Historical and Archaeological Significance of Çatalhöyük

Çatalhöyük consists of two mounds: the Eastern Mound and the Western Mound, both holding significant archaeological value as they preserve evidence of different historical periods.

🏺 Eastern Mound (7400 - 6200 BCE)
🔸 Belongs to the Neolithic Period and contains 18 different settlement layers.
🔸 The wall paintings, reliefs, sculptures, and artistic works found here provide critical insights into the cultural structure of early societies.
🔸 Reveals how early agricultural communities lived and organized their societies.

🏺 Western Mound (6200 - 5200 BCE)
🔸 Dates back to the Chalcolithic Period