Early Neolithic architecture in Southeastern Anatolia

This study examines the residential architecture of early settlements that emerged during the Neolithic period in Southeastern Anatolia. The region lies at the center of the Fertile Crescent and witnessed some of the most critical cultural transformations in human history. Traces of the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a settled, agricultural lifestyle are clearly evident in settlements that developed from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic Period onward. The study examines key settlements such as Göbeklitepe, Çayönü, Nevali Çori, Karahantepe, Körtik Tepe, Hallan Çemi, and Hasankeyf Mound, evaluating the plan types, construction techniques, and materials used in the structures at these sites. The findings demonstrate that architecture in the Neolithic period served not only shelter but also functions such as ritual, storage, and social interaction. For example, the monumental "T"-shaped pillars at Göbeklitepe reveal the architectural reflection of belief systems, while the diverse plan types at Çayönü offer clues about the communities' production methods and social organization. The region's circular, rectangular, and mixed-plan structures evolved according to the changing needs of communities and reflect the diversity of early architecture. The integration of settled life with agriculture increased the importance of storage areas, and materials such as stone, adobe, and wood were chosen based on environmental conditions. This study aims to contribute to the archaeological literature by systematically examining the architectural features of early Neolithic settlements in Southeastern Anatolia. The study compares the plan types, building materials, and construction techniques seen in different settlements. The connection between these elements and the social and economic structure of the period is revealed. Thus, the beginnings of agriculture, the formation of settled life, and the process of architectural development in the Neolithic period are reinterpreted. The findings from the study serve as a fundamental reference for future field research and interdisciplinary comparisons. They also constitute an important resource for preserving the region's cultural heritage and better understanding its contribution to contemporary architectural history. Keywords: Southeastern Anatolia, Neolithic Period, Residential Architecture, Settled Life, Fertile Crescent