Figurative decorations on painted pottery of Middle Iron Age in Central Anatolia

It has been discussed that the Phrygians, thought to be the main factor in the formation of the art activities in the Middle Iron Age, are whether relatives with Mushkis emerged on the borders of Assyria in 12. century BC and mentioned often in Assyrian sources. It is understood from the historical sources that Mushkis, the eastern branch of the Phrygians, came and settled in the interior of Anatolia in 9. century BC due to the pressure of the Assyrian and brought about a culture, on the other hand, it is also understood from the historical records that this civilization was known as Mushki in the east, and as Phrygians in the west as they were not mentioned by their eastern neighbors.From 9. century B.C. onwards, the ceramics ornamented in silhouette technique with geometrical designs have been seen in the centers on the east curves of Kızılırmak, while primarily, the ceramics ornamented geometrically, later the ceramics ornamented in linear style have been seen in the centers on the west curves of Kızılırmak. Therefore two different genres in the Middle Iron Age were developed in Central Anatolia. The reason is to be sought in cultural and ethnical diversities between these two regions as well in artistic conception of their geography where they culturally interact.This civilization which has taken its basis from near Eastern culture acted as a bridge role between East and West thanks to its location and predominance in the field of art and played an important role in the transition of the Western world to the Orientalizan period.Key Words:PhrygMushkiPotteryMiddle İron AgeSilhouette TechniqueLinear Style