Pınarbaşı (Bor)
Pınarbaşı · Pinarbasi · Pınarbaşı Karaman · Pınarbaşı-Bor
Epipalaeolithic to Aceramic Neolithic·Central Anatolian Epipalaeolithic (Kebaran-like) → PPNA·🇹🇷 Karaman Province, Bor Plain near Karacadağ, Turkey
About
About Pınarbaşı (Bor)
Epipalaeolithic to Early Neolithic rockshelter and open-air spring-site (c.14,000–7000 BCE) on limestone spur at Pınarbaşı, type-site for Central Anatolian hunter-gatherer sedentism before Aşıklı/Boncuklu. Trevor Watkins/D. Baird excavations showed microlithic Lunates, obsidian from Göllü Dağ/Cappadocia, burials and seasonal marsh foraging that rooted sedentarism. Stratified continuity from Natufian-like Epipalaeolithic through PPN — rare bridge across Younger Dryas in Anatolia.
Why it mattersOnly long Epipalaeolithic–PPN sequence in Central Anatolia spanning Younger Dryas; proves in-situ sedentarism.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why sedentism at spring vs lake Konya villages?
- 02Obsidian exchange networks pre-8000 BCE extent
Theories
- 01Karacadağ hills refuge during Dryas then re-expansion model
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.14,000 BCE rock shelter occupation; open site c.9000–7000 BCE
- Period
- Epipalaeolithic to Aceramic Neolithic
- Culture
- Central Anatolian Epipalaeolithic (Kebaran-like) → PPNA
- Builders
- Anatolian hunter-gatherers
- Purpose
- Spring-fed camp and shrine-like shelter, early sedentism base
- Abandoned
- c.7000 BCE (move to tell villages)
- Rediscovered
- 1994 Watkins; 2003– Baird soundings
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
1994
Watkins identifies shelter
c.9000 BCE
Early Neolithic open air hamlet establishes
On the ground
Structures & features
37.4830° N · 33.0870° E · 1020 m · 3 mapped features
Rock shelter (Site A)
shelterEpipalaeolithic shelter with microliths
37.4831° N · 33.0872° EOpen spring terrace
settlementPPNA open huts beside karst spring
37.4829° N · 33.0869° EObsidian scatter
workshopGöllü Dağ obsidian debitage
37.4830° N · 33.0870° E