Archaeometric analysis of adobes BC II millennium unearthed from the Boğazköy and Büklükale excavations

This thesis study is about the archaeological excavations in Boğazköy (Çorum) and Büklükale (Kırıkkale). It includes archaeometry examinations of 13 adobes and plaster samples belonging to the II. Millennium BC. For this purpose, XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscope - Energy Diffusing X-ray Spectroscopy), ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry), RAMAN Spectroscopy, Volumetric and Atomic Absorption Analysis methods,production characteristics such as raw material, firing temperature range, mineral and element contents were determined and an idea was obtained about the mortar, adobe and plaster production technology of the period. With the pH test, the lime, acidic and alkaline ratios in their contents were determined. In addition, the dating of the adobes and plaster samples was determined by Carbon 14 (C14) analysis. As a result of the study, the main raw material contents of the mudbrick and plaster samples in Boğazköy and Büklükale settlements are of similar type and they are generally obtained from dried lake or river bottoms and contain minerals and elements that can be rarely seen using reed, reed, straw or vegetable fibers together with pottery fragments, determined by XRD, EDS and ICP results. It has been determined that Boğazköy and Büklükale adobe-plaster building materials have a qualified and robust structure with the main raw materials and characteristics, and clay minerals containing illite and kaolinite in terms of binding. Micro structural and chemical forms were examined, and it was observed by SEM results that the porosity size was quite high and the overall vitrification was low.Hematite and iron were found in some of the mudbrick and plaster samples, and it was observed that they affected the colors. Minerals occurring between 500-1000 o C' were determined and it was determined that some mudbrick and plaster samples in both settlements went through an intense fire phase. According to the carbon 14 analysis, the BK-6 sample determined that it was dated between 3650-3514 BC. With RAMAN results, some minerals (quartz, hematite, etc.) in Boğazköy and Büklükale samples were determined with characteristic band values.As a result of the pH tests, it was determined that all the adobe and plaster samples of both settlements had the same values and were weakly basic and also contained salt and lime.