Figures and idols from late Neolitic age to Hellenistic Period existent in museums of Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa, Mardin and Adıyaman

The purpose of this doctorate thesis is to be able to provide new information pertaining to the belief system of the Northern Mesopotamia as a result of investigating the figurines and idols existent in the museums of Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa, Mardin and Adıyaman. Through the figurines and idols investigated, fairly deep knowledge was obtained about the civilizations located between the rivers Tigris and Euphrate. In the study, the features of the figurines and idols, such as functions, iconography, form and dating were evaluated in many respects. Due to the needs of the figurines and idols felt by the Northern Mesopotamian communities during prehistoric and historic periods, their beliefs, pleasures, the techniques they developed and their interactions with different cultural regions were all dealt with. The research was carried out by following a chronological order on figurines and idols originating from Anatolia and Mesopotamia. Furthermore, attempts have been made to identify their interactions with samples in different regions. Figurines and idols have an important position in Anatolian culture-arts and archeology. Throughout prehistoric and historical periods, the anthropomorphism figurine understanding has always shown a parallel development and spreading line with religious beliefs.