Catalhoyuk Tour | Catalhoyuk Excursion

The Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük was first discovered in the late 1950s and excavated by James Mellaart between 1961 and 1965. The site rapidly became famous internationally due to the large size and dense occupation of the settlement, as well as the spectacular wall paintings and other art that was uncovered inside the houses.

Since 1993 an international team of archaeologists, led by Ian Hodder, has been carrying out new excavations and research, in order to shed more light on the people that inhabited the site. The works here is envisaged for many years to come.

The mound presents twelve levels of occupation of a Neolithic town which was inhabited from 7300 B.C.to 6100 B.C., living city for 1200 years without interruption. The present day estimates predict some 10 000 souls living in Catalhoyuk. Findings show that the settlement was neither destroyed nor looted. It was unfortunate for Mellaart that he did not discover the oldest and very "first" settlement.

It is the largest and best preserved Neolithic site found to date 7500-5700 BCE.

Catalhoyuk, 45 km south of Konya, map of location is a fascinating Neolithic site dating from the eighth millennium, 8000 B.C. which makes it one of the world's oldest towns. Archaeologists have determined that holes in the roofs of the mud houses were the entrance doors. Ankara's Museum of Anatolian Civilizations houses the famous temple (reconstructed), along with mother-goddess figures and Neolithic frescoes from the original site.

The best season to visit the area is spring or Autumn for mild temperatures. To get to Catalhoyuk you have to get to Konya first. Istanbul to Konya is 673 km while Ankara to Konya is 263 km, Konya to Urgup about 216 km. Beside the land route you can take Turkish Air Line flights to Konya available daily.