Çatalhöyük: One of the World’s Earliest Urban Settlements

Located in the Konya Plain of central Anatolia, Çatalhöyük is one of the most important archaeological sites not just in Türkiye, but in the world. Dating back to 7100 BCE, this Neolithic and Chalcolithic proto-city settlement offers remarkable insights into early human civilization. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, Çatalhöyük reveals a rich tapestry of early communal life, artistry, architecture, and belief systems—making it an essential destination for anyone interested in the origins of urbanization and human culture.

A Window into Prehistoric Life

Çatalhöyük’s name, meaning “forked mound” in Turkish, refers to the twin mounds that dominate the site. The eastern mound represents the older Neolithic layers, while the western mound corresponds to the Chalcolithic period. What sets Çatalhöyük apart is its unique urban layout—homes were built side-by-side without streets, and access was gained through ladders descending from rooftops. This arrangement suggests a remarkably egalitarian society, with little evidence of social hierarchy or centralized leadership.

Archaeologists have uncovered over 18 levels of occupation, spanning more than a thousand years. The homes, made of mud bricks and wooden frames, featured shared walls and interior wall paintings, which indicate both artistic expression and spiritual beliefs. The discovery of elaborate wall murals, burial sites under floors, and mother goddess figurines suggests a deeply symbolic culture concerned with life, death, and fertility.

UNESCO World Heritage Recognition

UNESCO listed Çatalhöyük as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value in 2012. It is seen as a rare example of a well-preserved early agrarian society that transitioned from hunting and gathering to farming and settled life. The preservation and ongoing excavation of Çatalhöyük provide scholars and visitors alike with an unparalleled look at how some of the first human communities organized themselves socially, economically, and spiritually.

Visitor Experience and Museum Center

Visitors to Çatalhöyük today can explore a well-constructed open-air museum site. Two major excavation areas—North and South—are covered with protective shelters, and walkways allow guests to observe the archaeological work and remains closely. The Çatalhöyük Visitor Center, located near the entrance, includes interactive exhibits, scale models, and information panels explaining the site’s history and significance. Life-size reconstructions of Neolithic homes provide an immersive experience of what daily life might have looked like 9,000 years ago.

In addition to the physical visit, augmented reality and 3D modeling technologies are increasingly being used to enrich the educational experience at the site. QR codes along the paths help visitors access multimedia content in several languages.

How to Get There

Çatalhöyük is located about 60 km southeast of Konya city center, in the district of Cumra. If you’re traveling from Konya, you can rent a car or take a taxi for a comfortable one-hour journey. Although there are no direct public buses to the site, many local travel agencies in Konya offer guided day tours that include transportation and historical context.

Konya is easily accessible from major cities like İstanbul and Ankara via high-speed train, bus, or domestic flights. Once in Konya, the road to Çatalhöyük is well-signposted and suitable for all vehicles.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Çatalhöyük is between April and October, when the weather is pleasant for walking around the open-air excavation site. Summers can be quite hot, so it’s advisable to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Spring and autumn offer more temperate weather and fewer crowds.