ÇATALHÖYÜK

Located in the south-east of Konya, Çatalhöyük which, according to the excavations, dates back to 6750 BC, was the oldest cultural center in the Near East. The flat roofed mud-brick and pisé houses, inside which one could only enter with the help of a ladder, had a courtyard and were built close together. The walls were decorated with paintings. The people of Çatalhöyük used to honor their deads who where buried, after a partial or total removal of the flesh, under the ground of their houses or under the benches they used for sitting or sleeping. They venerated a Mother-Goddess in full bloom shapes, symbol of fertility.

The model Çatalhöyük home is on display at the Ankara Anatolian Civilization Museum.