Early Bronze Age Western Anatolian fortification gates

Mankind is instinctively in need of constant protection. This need is reflected in the architecture along with the settled life. During the Early Bronze Age, the long-distance trade had systematically developed in Western Anatolia. This has brought conflicts alongside and the need for defense, has increased over time. Fortification walls had been built in order to avoid external threats and to protect the habitat. Gates were integral parts of the defense systems. The location of the settlement, topography that surrounds it, its neighbors, level of development and the road networks took part in changes and advances in defense. The gate develops with the defense and become the most important architectural element of the system. According to the architectural reflections of social life in the settlements, the gates are proved to be positioned in different living areas such as citadel (upper town) and lower town. Despite being the most important part of the system, gates were also the weakest link hence, have deviated periodically by showing development and change. Traffic in and out to the settlement was done by means of the gate They have been built more complicated when there is a need. Architectural elements such as ramps, towers, and guard rooms were designed to defend and control the gate at the same time. Gates that are integral to the defense system are designed, positioned and diversified according to the needs of the settlement.