ÇATALHÖYÜK 2005 ARCHIVE REPORT

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Off-site investigation of natural resources

Burcu Tung

The aim in 2006 is to conduct an off site sampling program to build upon Roberts et al.’s work (1996, 2004) to have a more complete understanding of the extent of activities carried out around the immediate landscape of the mound. To understand this, a coring program will take place on up to a10km radius around the mound. After the first initial coring, 10 areas will be located for opening 2 x 2 m wide test pits within the initial 10km radius. Further work will be carried by opening two 2 x 15 m transects to uncover the Neolithic landscape. The locations for these strips will again be confirmed after the first coring results. These transects will need to be opened using a backhoe, as the later alluvial sediments that need removal (to reach the Neolithic surface) are extremely deep (3-4 m). Geological samples within these trenches will be collected for further laboratory analyses.

The aim of this project is to understand the geological depositional contexts that may have been used by the ancient settlers of Çatalhöyük. Mud and clay are essential materials modified and transformed at Çatalhöyük, used in the construction of houses to the production of figurines, clayballs, and pottery. Preliminary analyses conducted on pottery show that there is at least two different clay resources used in the production of pottery, both which have not been identified. Investigations carried on mud brick show different recipes used by different households. This information points to the existence of different mud/clay resources used in the settlement. Understanding the extent of access and control over these resources is an important step towards revealing the complex relationships amongst the different households that have been uncovered at the site.

Investigations carried out by Neil Roberts and his team, between 1996 and 1999, have revealed a complex sedimentation history of the Çarsamba River with interchanging periods of alluvial deposition and soil formation. Their research has also proven that the immediate landscape around the settlement had been modified through quarrying for marl.