Archaeologists continue to study Çatalhöyük, one of the earliest known urban settlements on Earth. According to Arkeonews, researchers have uncovered signs of social transformations that reshaped community life and led to population shifts within the settlement.
Associate Professor Ali Ozan of Pamukkale University explained that in the eastern part of the site, houses were originally built in very close proximity to one another. However, in later layers, archaeologists observed greater spacing between dwellings, suggesting a shift in social organization that pushed residents to move to the western side of the settlement.
Another significant discovery is the so-called “House of the Dead,” reported by a professor from Poznań University. Beneath its floor, archaeologists uncovered the remains of 20 individuals, which they believe represent a ritual burial practice.
The inhabitants of Çatalhöyük built their houses from mudbrick, with entry points through the roofs. Each dwelling served not only as a living space but also as a spiritual center. It was customary to bury deceased family members beneath the floors, reflecting a worldview where sacred and everyday life were deeply intertwined.
These findings provide new insights into early urban culture. At its peak, Çatalhöyük was home to about 8,000 people. In 2012, the site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as a striking example of humanity’s transition from nomadic groups to settled communities.
