Hallan Çemi, Archaeological site in Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey.
Hallan Çemi is an archaeological site in southeastern Anatolia featuring circular structures built on a 4.3-meter high mound covering approximately 7 hectares. The settlement sits on the western bank of Sason Stream Valley and contains multiple layers of occupation from different periods.
The site dates back to 8600-8000 BC during the Aceramic Neolithic period, one of the earliest phases of human settlement. Three distinct architectural layers reveal changes in how people built and lived across different generations.
Decorated stone vessels and obsidian tools uncovered here show skilled craftsmanship from early inhabitants. A wild cattle skull mounted on a wall suggests that rituals held importance in daily life and community identity.
The location near Batman Dam Lake means the site can flood periodically, which may limit access during certain times. Visitors should check with local authorities before planning a visit to confirm conditions and learn about any current restrictions.
Pig bones found here provide evidence of early animal domestication and mark the shift from hunting to farming practices. This discovery makes the site a key location for understanding how agriculture began in human history.
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