Nevali Cori was an ancient settlement located in southeastern Turkey, near the modern village of Akören. It was an important archaeological site that dates back to the Neolithic period, specifically from around 8,000 to 7,500 BCE.
The name "Nevali Cori" is derived from the local Kurdish language and translates to "spring mound," which is fitting as the archaeological remains were found on a natural mound near a spring. The site was discovered in the 1980s and excavated extensively in the 1990s, leading to significant findings and insights into the human civilization of that time.
Nevali Cori is known for its well-preserved architectural structures, including rectangular houses made of mud bricks, some of which contained multiple rooms. These houses had stone foundations and were arranged in a planned layout, suggesting a highly organized settlement. The site also contained a monumental stone building that scientists believe may have served as a religious or communal center.
Artifacts recovered from Nevali Cori include stone and bone tools, pottery fragments, and figurines. These findings provide evidence of advanced craftsmanship, agriculture, and domestication of animals, indicating that Nevali Cori was a Neolithic settlement with a complex and developed society.
Unfortunately, the site of Nevali Cori was flooded when a dam was constructed in the area, resulting in the loss of a significant portion of the ruins. However, the excavations and findings from the site continue to contribute to our understanding of the early Neolithic period and the ancient human civilization that once thrived there.
