Altınözü the light of the historical and archaeological data

Altınözü, which constitutes the study area, is located in the southeast of Hatay. The borders of Altınözü, which constitute 52 km of the Turkey-Syria border, are mostly formed by the Orontes River and the Kuseyr Plateau in the east. There is Yayladağı district in the southwest, Syria and Orontes River in the east, Amik Plain in the north and Habib-i Neccar Mountain in the west of Altınözü. The first scientific studies in Altınözü were carried out in the form of Paleolithic Period studies in 1954. The studies carried out in Altınözü district revealed that the region was used as a lively settlement area during the Hellenistic and Roman periods as well as the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages. As a result of the previous surface studies, 15 mounds, 2 necropolis areas, 1 castle, 3 rock tombs and 34 settlement areas were identified in Altınözü. Between 2021 and 2022, additional surface studies were carried out by us. As a result of our studies, we have identified 1 mound, 1 necropolis area and 4 settlements. The results obtained in our research were evaluated together with those found in previous studies. Most of the identified centers are dated to the Chalcolithic, Bronze, Iron Age, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic Periods. In addition, since this region is more rural and higher than the Amik Plain, unlike the Amik Plain, not many studies have been carried out. Therefore, the studies to be carried out will increase our knowledge about the settlements of the rural areas. Most of the mounds identified in Altınözü are located in the fertile wetland around the Pazar Stream. The mounds in the region are located around important road networks, agricultural lands, water resources and in strategic positions that keep the geography under control. The ceramics found in the mounds that were discovered during the studies are very important for the ancient history of the region. The ceramics that were dated to the Chalcolithic Period, Bronze Age, Hellenistic and Middle Ages prove that the region has a rich past. We believe that the thesis we have done will help to illuminate the history of the region by shedding light on the Ancient Age history of Altınözü, located on the Turkey-Syria border. KEY WORDS Ancient Age, Hatay, Kuseyr Plateau, Altınözü, Surface Studies