Spatial analysis of neolithic settlements in Şanliurfa province using Geographical İnformation Systems (GİS)

The province of Şanlıurfa is generally situated in the Middle Euphrates section of the Southeastern Anatolia Region. The research area is located within the boundaries of Şanlıurfa province, surrounded by the Tek Tek Plateau to the east, Fatik Plateau to the west, Urfa-Bozova Plateau to the north, and Harran Plain to the south. This study area encompasses 12 archaeological settlements known as 'Taş Tepeler' (Stone Mounds), which are highly significant for Neolithic Age research. The primary aim of the study is to examine the formation, development, and processes influencing the geomorphological structures within the designated area based on the archaeological sites known as Taş Tepeler. Within the scope of this master's thesis, internal and external factors influencing the formation of the study area's structure have been addressed in accordance with principles and concepts of geomorphology. Initially, the natural environmental characteristics of the study area were discussed, followed by detailed examinations of geological, geomorphological, hydrography, and climate features. Various maps were produced using Geographic Information System (GIS) with different methods and techniques, employing geographic research methods and techniques. In another section of the study, the relationship between topographical features and archaeological settlements was identified. This part, constituting another segment of the research, evaluates the 12 archaeological settlement areas within a spatial analysis framework using GIS techniques integrated with archaeology. For this purpose, elevation, slope, aspect, and similar analyses were conducted to determine the topographic characteristics of the study area, and the relationship between the physical environment and the settlers' choice of this area was revealed. Finally, the motivation behind this study was to serve as a foundational resource for defining the natural environment of the 12 archaeological sites, which are significantly important for Neolithic Age research and have gained popularity among international researchers in recent years, aiming to aid future studies. Keywords: Şanlıurfa, Geomorphology, Archaeology, GIS, Neololitic