Ritual vessels within the Kızılırmak bend in the 2nd millenium BCE

This study aims to thoroughly examine the functional, symbolic, and social meanings of ritual vessels identified in settlements within the Kızılırmak Bend during the 2nd millennium BCE. The geographical boundaries of the region not only serve as a foundation for analyzing material cultural elements but also provide a basis for tracing magical and mystical concepts that shaped the belief systems and ritual practices of the society. Ritual vessels are considered a tangible reflection of the religious and social organization of the period, enabling an analysis of both material culture and ideological structures. Within the scope of the research, the technical, aesthetic, and functional aspects of ceramic art have been addressed comprehensively. The production techniques, formal characteristics, decorative elements, and use-wear traces of the vessels have been meticulously examined, and the findings have been correlated with the social and religious structures of the era. These vessels, particularly those employed in religious and ritual practices, play a critical role in understanding individuals' religious perceptions and social identities. Beyond being mere tools for ceremonial activities, these objects are evaluated as symbols reflecting the collective unconscious, shared values, and symbolic world of the society. The study also incorporates philological analyses. The reflections of ritual vessels in written sources and their depictions in iconographic studies have been examined to reveal their connections with the ideological frameworks of the period. By utilizing both archaeological and philological data, the functions and meanings of the ritual vessels have been understood in greater depth. These data provide significant insights into how belief systems and social organizations evolved over time, as well as how the people of the period perceived their world. Ritual vessels used within the Kızılırmak Bend during the 2nd millennium BCE serve as a guide to comprehending the religious, social, and cultural dynamics of the era. Their examination contributes not only to understanding the ritual practices of that period but also to deciphering the historical transformation and development of collective mindsets, belief systems, and symbolic worlds. In this context, the study aims to shed light on the historical progression of the region and its place within the broader history of humanity.