The life style of humankind in this
period changes in a way that it had never happened the
same way before. The two important events caused this
change, first was the cultivation of plants, and the
second was the domestication of wild animals that both
were acquired wild before. So, human had to leave the
rock and wood shelters and build homes to stay within a
close distance from his farm. Actually Neolithic period
is to be considered as the beginning of real civilization.
Because this period saw the major changes in human
evolution, for example village life, religion, art,
architecture, farming, advanced tools and weapons etc.
To name some important Neolithic sites in
Asia Minor ;
The settlements at Cayonu, Catalhoyuk, Hacilar,
Norsuntepe and Kosk represent typical Neolithic towns.
Although Catalhoyuk in Central Turkey is the most
advanced among all, but Cayonu in the Eastern turkey goes
back to around 7,250-6,750 BC. which makes it the oldest
Neolithic village in Tukey. The layout of Cayonu gives a
square in the center of the town with some rectangular
shaped monumental buildings and houses around it. Most of
the buildings have the lower parts built out of stones
and upper parts out of mud bricks. Apparently the people
of this town knew the farming techniques and grew wheat,
because many farming tools have been found at the site to
prove this fact. Besides the farming, the domesticated
various animals such as sheep and goats were also
available in their towns. It is believed that the Dog was
the first domestic animal of this period. Also, the
figurines of a female deity found at the site are a clear
evidence that the religion came to be an important event
in their lives. Later, this female deity came to be known
as the Mother Goddess of Anatolia, and has been
worshipped for milleniums under the name " Cybele
".
Another site in the Western Turkey,
called Hacilar has built a well advanced civilization
following the above town Cayonu. This town has been dated
back to 7,040 BC. The excavations made here have revealed
that this town had produced agricultural produce such as
wheat, barley and lentils. Also the remains of
animals such as goat, sheep, dog and cow have been
uncovered at the site.
