Recent excavations carried out on Çayönü Hill within the Ergani district of southeastern Diyarbakir have unearthed 5 further tombs relationship again to the early Bronze Age, including to the area’s rising archaeological significance. With these new discoveries, the overall variety of graves within the space has risen to 10, offering useful insights into the area’s historic historical past.
The head of excavation, professor Aslı Erim Özdoğan, emphasised the historic significance of the positioning, stating: “The Hilar Caves, an archaeological site of the highest degree located in the rural Sesverenpınar District, and Çayönü Hill, situated just 500 meters (1,640 feet) to the north, are recognized as pivotal points in the history of civilization. Since the commencement of excavations in 1964, remains and artifacts ranging from 7500 B.C. to 5500 B.C. have been uncovered, offering a glimpse into life during that era.”
The excavations have revealed that the area was a cradle for early agricultural actions, together with cultivating crops equivalent to wheat, chickpeas and lentils. The domestication of animals like sheep and goats and the transition from looking to settled life are additionally evident within the findings. The ongoing work at Çayönü Hill, estimated to be round 12,000 years previous, has supplied vital proof of the beginnings of agricultural practices and the Neolithic interval.
This 12 months’s excavations have yielded a very vital discovery: 5 extra graves. The burials, characterised by skeletons in fetal positions, are recognized as belonging to the early Bronze Age. Özdoğan, who leads the excavation efforts from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University’s Department of Archaeology, highlighted the challenges confronted through the challenge, together with monetary constraints that led to a lowered workforce. However, regardless of the setbacks, the workforce is decided to elucidate the connections between totally different historic intervals.
“The focal point of our work is to establish clearer links between the non-pottery Neolithic period and the pottery Neolithic period,” defined Özdoğan. “Our exploration of the Early Bronze Age, spanning from 3000 B.C. to 2950 B.C., aims to shed light on this transitional phase.”
The investigation additionally aimed to determine the extent of the cemetery space and its growth over time. “We have discovered a total of 10 graves this year, building upon the findings from the previous year,” Özdoğan said. “One of the notable discoveries is a complete female skeleton, raising questions about the gender composition of the burials. This insight will be further refined as more excavations are conducted and gender analyses are carried out.”
The archaeological endeavors haven’t solely revealed graves but additionally unveiled buildings that present a deeper understanding of the realm’s historical past. “In the pre-pottery Neolithic period, we uncovered the remains of buildings, which was a significant development. Our research has also clarified the relationship between the sediment-filled stream that once flowed across the plain and the layer that now covers it,” Özdoğan defined, underscoring the challenge’s multidimensional nature.
Ergani District Governor and Deputy Mayor Ahmet Karaaslan expressed his enthusiasm for the continuing excavations, saying: “Today, alongside my esteemed colleague Aslı, we once again uncovered remains within a tomb. The presence of burial sites, marked by necklaces and items resembling fetuses, adds to the narrative of the past. This location holds structures like ancient houses and potential temples, marking the transition from a hunter-gatherer society to a settled lifestyle. Çayönü is a place of profound historical significance, and we anticipate that it will become a popular destination for tourists, offering a glimpse into our ancient heritage.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
