Aşıklı Höyük
Archaeological Site Neolithic settlement important for early farming and ceramics
Early Neolithic settlement mound in Aksaray Province excavated for its prehistoric architecture and burials. Visitors include archaeologists and travellers interested in early sedentary communities.
Aşıklı Höyük is an early Neolithic tell in Aksaray Province, central Turkey, noted as one of the region’s important prehistoric settlements. The site preserves stratified domestic remains and burials dating to the early Neolithic.
The mound was occupied during the Neolithic period and yielded extensive evidence for village life, inhumations beneath floors, and craft activities. Excavations have revealed multiple occupation phases that document changes in architecture and domestic practice during the early Neolithic.
The tell lies in central Anatolia within Aksaray Province, on the volcanic plateau of Cappadocia region. It is located within driving distance of the city of Aksaray and surrounded by agricultural land and other Neolithic sites in the region.
- Significance: One of the key early Neolithic sites in central Anatolia, important for studies of early sedentism and architecture.
What to See #
- Settlement mound: The raised settlement mound where successive layers of Neolithic occupation and house floors are visible in archaeological sections.
- Burial area: An associated burial area with multiple inhumations found beneath house floors and in pits, important for studying Neolithic mortuary practice in Anatolia.
How to Get to Aşıklı Höyük #
Aşıklı Höyük is in Aksaray Province. From Aksaray city (about 20-30 km), drive south toward the village of Kızılkaya; local signs or GPS coordinates are recommended. Regional buses serve Aksaray from Ankara and other cities; arrange a taxi for the short local transfer.
Tips for Visiting Aşıklı Höyük #
- Visit the on-site visitor area to see museum displays of pottery and bone tools recovered from the site.
- Arrive in the morning to avoid the central Anatolian heat; protective hats and sunscreen are helpful.
- Notice the settlement's unusual layout: early farming plots remain visible in aerial photography and explanatory panels.
Best Time to Visit Aşıklı Höyük #
Aşıklı Höyük is best visited in spring or autumn when central Anatolian weather is mild and site interpretation panels are easier to read in pleasant conditions.
Weather & Climate near Aşıklı Höyük #
Aşıklı Höyük's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 47 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.