Aşıklı Höyük Archaeological Site

Address: Aşıklı Höyük, near Kızılkaya, Aksaray Province, Turkey

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.

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.

• 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.