Catalhoyuk

Çatalhöyük is a Neolithic and Chalcolithic settlement mound in Çumra district of Konya. This site, which was continuously inhabited from 7500 BC to 5700 BC, is one of the world's oldest and largest known Neolithic settlements. The population is estimated to have been between 8,000 and 10,000 people. Discovered in 1958 by British archaeologist James Mellaart, the mound is famous for its houses entered through roof openings rather than doors, wall paintings, and wild bull (aurochs) skull decorations. Female figurines (Mother Goddess) are among the most important archaeological finds here. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012. Excavations and research at the site are continued by an international scientific board.