Güvercin kayası Defence system and It's place in the Prehistory of the Defence Systems

This study discusses development and research of the prehistoric defence systems of Güvercinkayası settlement (Çatalsu-Gülağaç-Aksaray), one of the oldest known examples in Anatolia, dated the end of the 6th millennium BC to the beginning of the 5th millennium BC (years 5200 to 4820 according to the calibrated C14). Anatolian findings are discussed within the framework of the chronological index, as well as their structural development and socio-economic conditions leading to their development. In addition, Mersin-Yumuktepe defence system, a defence system contemporary to Güvercinkayası, is discussed in detail. The importance of monitoring development of those defence systems is due to their dating from the Neolithic to the Hittite periods. In order to provide a better understanding of the subject and to determine its links with the neighbouring regions outside of Anatolia, examples from those regions are examined in the present study where applicable. As a result of the study, in the light of Güvercinkayası example, the reasons of the emergence of its predecessors, contemporaries and successors, and the socioeconomic factors leading to this development will be able to model the settlement types in the urbanization process of Anatolia. In this context, the known defence systems and defence system elements (fortifications, trenches, walls, ramparts, etc.) are examined in the first place, and compared with the defence system in Güvercinkayası. In addition, in order to determine the external connections, the walls or similar structures unearthed in the neighbouring regions of Anatolia will are discussed, while similarities and differences will are investigated.