Anatolia spans from Paleolithic to classical civilisation in 1st millennium BC. Stone Age (2.5 million years ago-2000 BC) featured widespread stone tool use. Paleolithic remains found in caves including Yarimburgaz and Karain. Çatalhöyük (7250-6750 BC) is considered most advanced Neolithic settlement
Located 140 km southeast of Konya, Turkey, overlooking Konya Plain. Settlement existed from 7500 BC to 5600 BC, flourished around 7000 BC. First excavated by James Mellaart in 1958, later led by Ian Hodder. Site became UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012
Çatalhöyük in Turkey was founded 9,000 years ago with no streets but 10,000 inhabitants. Ain Ghazal in Jordan grew from 10,300 BCE to 7000 BCE with 3,000 people. Mehrgarh in Pakistan showed early farming and crafts, including lost-wax casting
First settlements appeared around 8000 BCE in fertile Crescent regions. Hacılar shows earliest occupation with mud-brick houses and plastered walls. Çatalhüyük settlement (1961-65) revealed honeycomb-like brick houses with communal living. Çatalhüyük featured elaborate murals, stone figurines, and extensive trade. Agriculture and dairy farming formed main economic basis at Çatalhüyük
Anatolia was one of the first settled civilizations due to its climate. Çatalhöyük, world's oldest city, dates from 7000-4000 BC. Hittites established first central authority-based feudal state in 1240 BC. Phrygians arrived around 750 BC, founding Gordion archaeological site
James Mellaart arrived in Turkey as a young academic for field research. He quickly learned Turkish and explored on foot using his own initiative. His career in archaeology allowed him to explore and discover new lands