Abstract

HOMOGENEITY VERSUS DIVERSITY: DYNAMICS OF THE CENTRAL ANATOLIAN NEOLITHIC

Roger MATTHEWS
Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PY, UK.
roger.matthews@ucl.ac.uk

In this paper I will consider two basic areas of concern relating to the Neolithic of Central Anatolia:

      1. Internal dynamics. Is Central Anatolia a culturally homogeneous entity during the 9th-6th millennia cal. BC? To what extent is there cultural diversity between the western part (e.g. Çatalhöyük) and the eastern part (e.g. Asikli Höyük) of Central Anatolia? How and why do large sites (e.g. Çatalhöyük) differ from small sites (e.g. Suberde)? Are there major discernible changes through the duration of the Neolithic in Central Anatolia and do any such changes vary within the region?

      2. External dynamics. Is Central Anatolia a culturally isolated, self-contained region in the Neolithic? How does it relate to contemporary developments in neighbouring regions? Are there detectable changes in relationships through time and, if so, what might be the determining factors?

In attempting to answer these rather broad yet interconnected questions the aim is to explore wide concerns of development and regional interaction. Of course there are many problems of chronology and compatibility of evidence both within and beyond Central Anatolia, but the aim in this paper will be to delineate and examine broad trends and issues as a means of stimulating debate.

The question of the internal dynamics of Central Anatolia in the Neolithic period will be addressed by examining the evidence from several key excavated sites of the region, focusing on aspects such as architecture, economy, artefacts and ideology. Selected sites will cover the timespan of ca. 7,700 - 6,200 cal BC.

As to external dynamics, the relations of Central Anatolia with neighbouring regions in the Neolithic will be considered in the light of comparative evidence from other regions of Turkey, including the Lake District, Southeast Anatolia, and the Marmara region.

By studying both internal and external dynamics it is hoped that some new perspectives on the Neolithic of Central Anatolia can be discerned and debated. Pointers to future fieldwork potentialities may also be made.