Communities at Work: The Making of Catalhoeyuk

The Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük in Turkey has been famous since the 1960s when excavations revealed large size, dense occupation, and spectacular wall paintings and reliefs. This volume discusses the analysis and interpretation of excavations undertaken between 2009 and 2017, including data generated over 25 years. It examines Çatalhöyük as a community of researchers with diverse theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches, synthesizing environmental resources, house architecture, contents, and activities. It re-evaluates evidence for violence, pigments, and social practices, capturing the multifaceted nature of the site.

Format: Hardback
Length: 375 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: British Institute of Archaeology at Ankara

The Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük has garnered international acclaim since the 1960s, when excavations conducted by Mellaart unearthed its vast size, dense occupation, and remarkable wall paintings and reliefs within the houses. This comprehensive volume explores the overarching themes that have emerged from the analysis and interpretation of the findings from excavations conducted at Çatalhöyük between 2009 and 2017. While numerous authors also delve into data generated throughout the 25-year period of excavation by the Çatalhöyük Research Project since 1993, this volume specifically focuses on the excavation outcomes during the specified timeframe.

Çatalhöyük is examined not only as the manifestation of the activities of a community residing in central Turkey approximately 9,000 years ago but also as the result of the interplay between a community of researchers with diverse theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches. The volume commences with an overview of community engagement practices and the various ways in which different audiences have interacted with the site throughout the project's lifespan. It then delves into the distinctions between the Mellaart and recent excavations, reflecting on the different methodological perspectives employed at the site. The book synthesizes the diverse array of environmental resources that would have been utilized at different times of the year. By analyzing open areas, house architecture, and contents, as well as the sequence of activities within houses, the volume sheds light on the ways in which the community at Çatalhöyük was held together, as well as how community dynamics may have evolved over time.

Modeling changes in practices over time demonstrates that the impacts of new introductions, such as cooking pottery, unfolded over multiple phases of occupation. Furthermore, the evidence for violence at the site is re-evaluated by integrating the analysis of human remains and artifacts.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive examination of Çatalhöyük, shedding light on its historical significance, community dynamics, and the diverse range of environmental resources and practices that shaped its existence. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts alike, contributing to our understanding of the Neolithic period and the rich cultural heritage of Turkey.

Dimension: 305 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912090488