Menteşe Höyük
Menteşe Höyük
Neolithic (6400–6000 BCE, Fikirtepe)·Marmara Neolithic·🇹🇷 Bursa Province, Iznik Basin, Turkey
About
About Menteşe Höyük
Menteşe Höyük in Bursa Province, Iznik Basin, Turkey is a Neolithic (6400–6000 BCE, Fikirtepe) tell attributed to Marmara Neolithic. Fikirtepe hamlet on former lake terrace. Stratified deposits with radiocarbon sequence and imported materials trace long-distance exchange. Systematic and rescue excavations exposed houses, fortifications and craft zones preserved as a multi-period tell on aerial imagery.
Why it mattersKey Marmara Neolithic sequence for Bursa Province, Iznik Basin; defines regional chronology for Neolithic.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Phasing precision vs radiocarbon plateau
- 02Ritual vs domestic architecture?
Theories
- 01Regional centre model
- 02ceremonial/territorial marker
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.6400–6000 BCE
- Period
- Neolithic (6400–6000 BCE, Fikirtepe)
- Culture
- Marmara Neolithic
- Purpose
- Fikirtepe hamlet on former lake terrace
- Rediscovered
- 1992 survey; systematic excavations
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.6400
Village founded on terrace/plain
c.4458 BCE
Peak occupation — plastered houses and painted pottery
1992
Systematic excavations uncover stratigraphy
On the ground
Structures & features
40.4223° N · 29.9833° E · 90 m · 3 mapped features
Menteşe Höyük — Central mound/acropolis
structureMain stratified summit with houses/fortifications and sequence
40.4226° N · 29.9835° EMenteşe Höyük — Lower town / extramural area
complexLower town or extramural cemetery/workshop zone
40.4219° N · 29.9836° EMenteşe Höyük — Craft / midden quarter
workshopWorkshop or midden with pottery and tools
40.4225° N · 29.9829° E
Gallery