Characterization of a group of Early Bronze Age ceramic from Harran excavations in Şanlıurfa

In this study, a group of Early Bronze Age ceramics recovered from the excavations of Şanlıurfa Harran Ruins were characterized by archaeometric methods. The color analysis (CIE-Lab), chemical analysis by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), mineralogical composition by X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), thermal behavior (TG-DTA), microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental chemical analysis by Energy Scattering spectrophotometer (EDS) and dye content by Raman Spectroscopy were determined for a selected number of samples. By interpreting the findings of the study, the shaping technique, raw materials used, firing temperature, firing atmosphere, effects of firing conditions on ceramic products, grain size, texture, homogeneity, color, etc. were evaluated and the ceramic production technologies of the Early Bronze Age societies in this region were revealed. When the results obtained are evaluated, the most prominent characteristics of the North Mesopotomian metallic ceramic products, such as high temperature firing and the absence of lime, are consistent with the sample with the archaeological code ACF 27. It is thought that the sample with the archaeological code ACF 27 is not locally produced and was fired at high temperature (950℃-1000℃) compared to the others. According to petrographic and XRD analysis, it is thought that most of the samples were produced with raw materials containing illitic clays, micas (muscovite-biotite) and calcite. In addition, the presence of high temperature phases such as gehlenite, diopside and anorthite together with illite in most of the samples is thought to be due to the structural degradation of illite/mica species continuing up to 900℃-1000℃. Keywords: Archaeometry, Ceramics, Harran Höyük, Early Bronze Age, Characterization