Çatalhöyük

Çatalhöyük, located on the Konya Plain in central Anatolia, is a landmark of early human settlement, dating back to 7400–6200 BCE. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012, it represents a critical period of transition from nomadic to settled societies. The settlement's mudbrick houses were built in a compact, streetless layout, with access through rooftops—a distinctive architectural solution reflecting a collective lifestyle.

Çatalhöyük is also highlighted by its elaborate wall paintings, reliefs, and symbolic artifacts, which offer evidence of complex social and spiritual systems. Particularly notable are the Mother Goddess figurines, symbolizing fertility and productivity in an agrarian society. Practices such as burying the dead beneath homes illustrate the integration of daily life with ritual and memory. The site also demonstrates the domestication of plants and animals and long-distance trade networks, with obsidian and other materials found at the site reflecting its regional importance.

Today, Çatalhöyük is recognized as a cornerstone of human history, showcasing the early stages of urbanization, social organization, and artistic expression. Its preservation allows researchers to explore how Neolithic communities adapted to a changing world, contributing profoundly to the understanding of human development.