Animal descriptions in Southeastern Anatolia Region during the Neolithic Period

The Southeastern Anatolia Region played a pivotal role during the Neolithic Period, marking a turning point in human history. This era saw the foundations of agriculture, animal domestication, and sedentary life, accompanied by advancements in artistic and ritualistic expressions. Animal depictions provide crucial insights into the social structure, belief systems, and economic activities of the time. Archaeological sites such as Göbeklitepe, Nevali Çori, and Çayönü have revealed animal figures predominantly featuring wild species, often carved in stone reliefs, sculptures, or ceramics. These depictions reflect the transitions from a hunter- gatherer lifestyle to a settled agricultural society. Representations of wild boars, leopards, snakes, and birds carried both protective and symbolic meanings. These artifacts shed light on the mythological beliefs, ritual practices, and connection to nature of these communities. Animal depictions in Southeastern Anatolia are regarded not only as artistic expressions but also as reflections of the cultural identity of the Neolithic societie Keywords: Southeastern Anatolia, Pottery Neolithic, Ritual, Symbolism, Animal depiction