Cafer Höyük, Neolithic archaeological site in Malatya Province, Turkey.
Cafer Höyük is an archaeological site in Malatya Province containing settlements spanning from the Paleolithic to the Medieval period. The location reveals rectangular mud-brick structures arranged with three rooms each, situated near the Euphrates valley.
Excavations began in the late 1970s under the direction of French archaeologist Jacques Cauvin, uncovering layers of occupation spanning thousands of years. The site was later impacted by dam construction in the region, which altered the landscape.
The houses display wall engravings showing cattle shoulders, which offer insights into the religious beliefs of the early residents. These carved images reveal how people expressed their spiritual ideas through the spaces where they lived.
The site sits in a valley near the Euphrates, so visitors should expect variable weather conditions, particularly during warmer months. Comfortable footwear is recommended as you walk among the exposed structures, and sun protection is important since there is minimal shade.
The excavated tools show a striking shift in materials used, moving from flint to obsidian over time. In later periods, the tools were composed almost entirely of obsidian blades, suggesting changes in trade networks or access to resources.
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