A series of rock paintings has been discovered in the region of Kayseri, located in Central Anatolia, Turkey.
The discovery was made after a hiker noticed human-shaped figures painted on exposed rock surfaces and alerted local authorities.
Upon an initial assessment by experts from the ÇEKÜL Foundation, archaeologists suggest that the paintings could represent the earliest example of Neolithic activity identified in the Kayseri region.
According to Prof. Dr. Osman Özsoy, the paintings have similarities with rock art found across Anatolia, including sites in Hakkari, Van, Mersin, Antalya, and Çatalhöyük. However, the examples in Kayseri have no comparable examples of prehistoric rock art nearby.
Özsoy explained the similarity of the compositions, which point to female, male, and family figures – indicating that the paintings were produced within a symbolic and ritual context.
Experts plan to date the paintings through a study of the pigment composition, surface erosion, and figure arrangement, alongside international typological comparisons. While estimates place the paintings around 6000 BC, further chemical analysis will determine whether natural pigments derived from hematite, clay, and stone were used.
Beyond its academic implications, the discovery is also being hailed as a model for cultural heritage protection.
Özsoy emphasised the crucial role played by public awareness and responsible reporting. He added that the paintings may prompt a reassessment of Kayseri’s early human history, potentially extending it back to the Neolithic Age.
An additional point of intrigue is whether Mount Erciyes, a dominant feature of the local landscape, is referenced symbolically in the imagery – an idea that could further enrich understanding of the region’s prehistoric identity.
Sources : ÇEKÜL Foundation
