The Neolithic of Central and Northwestern Anatolia, Thrace and its relations with Southeastern Europe

In this thesis, I intend to focus on the Neolithic of North-West Anatolia. Thanks to recent research activities by M.Özdoğan (1997; 1998c& d; 1999b), T. Efe (1995, 2000) and J. J. Roodenberg (1995a& b; 2000a& b) it is now possible to define a North-West Anatolian Neolithic. With such a definition, it will be possible to decide whether this néolithisation can be understood as an autonomous development or as a consequence of diffusion from another place most probably from the Near East. It is also aimed to present a clearer chronology, which is most needed at this stage of researches. As a base for the discussion, a thorough synthesis of the development in architecture and pottery will be presented.^ Other groups of material culture will be used in a selective way, in order to emphasise relationships, since a full discussion is beyond the limits of M.A. thesis. The area covered comprises Central Anatolia (Can Hasan III, Suberde Musular, Erbaba, Köşk Höyük), the Lake District (Hacılar, Bademağacı, Höyücek and Kuruçay), Marmara (Ihpınar, Fikirtepe and Pendik) and Turkish Thrace (Hoca Çeşme, Aşağı Pınar and Yarımburgaz). It will allow a general description of the cultural and chronological development of the North-West Anatolian Neolithic, its long distance contacts and its cultural connections. A comparison between the North-West Anatolian Neolithic and the Neolithic cultures of neighbouring regions, especially the Balkans and Central Anatolia will help to understand mutual relationships between these areas. In the conclusion, the néolithisation process in the Marmara and Turkish Thrace and its relations with the neighbouring regions will be evaluated.