Human-animal hybrid beings in the Anatolian description art in the second millennium B. C.

In the dissertation titled Human-animal Hybrid Beings in the Anatolian Description Art in the Second Millennium B.C. the iconographic features, style characteristics, and historical progression of the human-animal hybrid beings, that were depicted in various productions are discussed. In particular, this thesis is aimed to gather detailed information on the onset of particular features of the human-animal hybrid beings in the context of their classifications and historical dating, and the influence of mythological and religious depictions on the spiritual lives and religious believes of the Anatolian society in the Second Millennium B.C.The scope of this dissertation includes three parts. In the first part, human-animal hybrid beings, that were depicted on rock monuments, rock-cut reliefs, bullae, seals, tablets, figurines and statues as well as in written resources are described. Second, human-animal hybrid beings that were depicted on productions are interpreted in the light of both archeological and philological records. Third, the influence and reflections of relationships, which Anatolian societies developed with cultures outside of Anatolia, on the depicted productionsare evaluated.As a result of this dissertation, it was concluded that human-animal hybrid beings, that were depicted on productions were of different origins, including Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. These productions served for various purposes such as death, birth, fertility of land, symbol of liberty and protection from diseases.As a result of these evaluations, it is apparent that human-animal hybrid beings represent motifs that continue to live among the religious and superstitious believes of the present day.Keywords:1.Human-animal hybrid being2.Religious belief3.Archeological and philological4.Iconographical5.Seal