Agriculture in Ancient Anatolia (From the Neolithic Period to the Urartians)

Agricultural products have been one of the most fundamental needs of humanity since its existence. Throughout human history, people who have had a close relationship with the land have undergone significant transformations such as food production, the transition to settled life, and the rise of civilizations through agricultural activities. Therefore, understanding the origins of agriculture and its development throughout history is important for comprehending the evolution of humanity on Earth. In this context, agricultural activities in ancient Anatolia, particularly in the Neolithic Period settlements such as Çayönü, Can Hasan III, Çatal Höyük, Aşıklı, Erbaba, Cafer Höyük, Hallan Çemi, Nevali Çori, Yumuktepe, İkizhöyük, Kırklareli Höyüğü Aşağı Pınar Excavation, and Hoca Çeşme mound, have been examined. Subsequently, agricultural activities in Chalcolithic Period settlements such as Hacılar II, Kuruçay, Can Hasan I, Arslantepe, and Değirmentepe mounds have been studied. In historical eras, during the period of Assyrian Trade Colonies, as well as the reigns of the Hittites and Urartians in Anatolia, topics such as agricultural tools, agricultural products, farming techniques, and agriculture-based economic systems have been extensively addressed. Simultaneously, societal structures related to agriculture, cultural practices, and the social, economic, and cultural impacts of agricultural production on society have been examined. In ancient Anatolia, agriculture enabled the establishment of the first villages and cities during prehistoric times. Throughout historical periods, agriculture and agricultural products have shaped Anatolia's economic, social, and cultural structure. Keywords: Neolithic Age, Agriculture, Irrigation Systems, Mound, Ancient Anatolia, Agricultural Tools