The plant subsistence strategies of neolithic northwest Türkiye

This study investigates the process of Neolithization of Northwest Türkiye in the 7th and early 6th millennium BC through a detailed macro-archaeobotanical analysis of four Neolithic sites: Barcın Höyük, Bahçelievler, Hoca Çeşme, and Aşağı Pınar. Moving beyond simplistic diffusion models, the research frames Neolithization as a mosaic of localized adaptations rather than a uniform transition. Employing comparative methods grounded in archaeobotanical datasets and informed by Human Behavioral Ecology, the thesis examines plant-based subsistence strategies and their spatial and chronological variations. The results reveal a cereal-centered plant economy across all sites, with pulses and gathered plants integrated in site-specific ways. Barcın Höyük presents evidence for early structured agricultural knowledge and crop storage, Bahçelievler shows gradual changes and increasing diversification over time, while Aşağı Pınar displays a high frequency of pulses alongside cereals, suggesting a well-integrated storage strategy and diverse crop range. These patterns reflect how ecological niches, cultural choices, and adaptive behaviors jointly shaped the uptake and modification of the Neolithic way of life. By introducing new archaeobotanical data and emphasizing intra-site and inter-site variability, this research contributes to broader discussions on the diversity of early agricultural practices and underscores the importance of regional perspectives in understanding the complex dynamics of Neolithization.