Turkey

Hallan Çemi

Protoneolithic village in southeastern Anatolia, Turkey

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Hallan Çemi is a Protoneolithic site in south-eastern Anatolia which was discovered in 1989 and is believed to be more than 11,000 years old (founded c. 9500 BC). Tools were made from flint and obsidian. There is evidence of malachite, a copper ore, being imported and suggesting the existence of a trading network. Staples included lentils, almonds and pistachios. Whereas sheep and goat were usually the first animals to be kept as livestock by Near East communities, it appears that Hallan Çemi began with pigs.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Radiocarbon dating

c. 11,700–11,270 BP

Major excavations

1990–1994

Discovery during dam surveys

1990

Estimated founding

c. 9500 BC

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Industrial and Craft Structures

WorkshopsToolmakers’ Areas
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Carved stone vesselsAnimal-headed pestles
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

HousesPit HousesVillages
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Natural pitSoil Layers
category

Food Production and Processing Features

Hearths
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore

Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

Turkey

Coordinates

38.22° N, 41.24° E