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CATAL HOYUK 95

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The Catal Hoyuk region was established as an excavation site in the
1960s when archaeology was still not considered a "science". This
situation has at least been altered today to include archaeology as a
para-science. The use of scientific analysis techniques has contributed
to the shift in thinking. In the 1960s, Catal Hoyuk's excavations were
far removed from scientific methods. For example, archaeologists did not
sift the soil, use phosphate analysis or conduct Carbon-14 dating
methods. Basically, the excavations of this period were the process of
quickly moving large amounts of soil from one area to another.

Despite the use of these methods, many works of art and statues have
been dicovered. The Catal Hoyuk site gained international interest
because it has yielded highly crafted artefacts and complex dwellings.
Also it is the first established city to have employed the exchange of
goods with distant regions. The first ornamented pottery, metal works
and large animal grazing was undertaken here. There are other factors
which have created international interest in Catal Hoyuk. Objects of art
and the valued position of women have also contributed to this
settlements' significance. There are many questions which have arisen
from this settlement; Was this a matriarchal society? Were the paintings
on the walls the source for the designs on kilims? If much earth was not
excavated, as in the 1960s, perhaps so many wall paintings and other
objects would not have been found. Mellaart's excavation is an important
measurement for the answers to the many questions. It is only with the
use of sophisticated technology that the questions that arise can be
hoped to be answered.

In 1995, an international group began new excavations in the region
while Mellaart found houses with ritual areas in them. The soil being at
a level of 50 microns was carefully sifted. During this process, fish
vertebae were found. It is understood that the platform on which the
vertebrae were found was used to process the fish in some way.
Micromorphological analysis has shown that animals were penned in this
area for the collection of their droppings. Osteological tests on the
remains of human skeletons suggests that the people of Catal Hoyuk were
not great cereal eaters but relied mainly on meat and perhaps legumes.

When considered in the light of the technology used, such as, DNA tests
on the skeletons, oil analysis and isotopic tests carried out on
utensils found can we appreciate the level of commitment and importance
given to the excavation. Perhaps the most important scientific step is
the protection of the wall paintings. At the University of Pennsylvania,
research is being conducted on methods of long term protection and
storage of the wall paintings.

For scientific and safe-guarding analysis to continue, the European
Union has partially funded the set up a laboratory near the excavation
site. It is planned that the laboratory will be used by archaeologists
fron Turkey and other Mediterranean countries; in particular by
archaeometry specialists and also used for the purposes of education.
The development of scientific research at Catal Hoyuk is anticipated to
be a permanent feature in which archaeological questions can be examined
with greater perspective.

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