Hacilar
Archaeological Site Early Neolithic archaeological site with painted pottery
Hacılar near Burdur in Turkey is a Neolithic tell where early pottery and circular houses were excavated. Archaeology enthusiasts visit museum displays and the low-mound remains.
Hacılar is a Neolithic tell and archaeological site in southwestern Turkey near Burdur, notable for well-preserved domestic architecture and painted pottery. It is an important site for the study of early farming communities in Anatolia.
Excavations revealed compact mudbrick houses, successive occupation layers and a distinctive assemblage of painted ceramics and figurines that illustrate domestic life and craft production. The site’s stratigraphy has provided a sequence for Neolithic and Chalcolithic occupation in the region.
The site was excavated in the mid-20th century by archaeologists who documented its multiple occupation phases and material culture; the work helped shape understanding of settled village life in Anatolia during the Neolithic. Finds from Hacılar have informed broader studies of early agriculture and pottery development.
Hacılar lies in the Lakes Region of southwestern Turkey, near the modern city of Burdur.
- Museum displays: Many of the site's important finds and pottery are displayed in local museums, helping to contextualise the settlement within Anatolian Neolithic culture.
- Key discoveries: Excavations in the mid-20th century revealed mudbrick houses, painted ceramics and anthropomorphic figurines, offering key evidence for early settled farming communities in southwest Anatolia.
How to Get to Hacilar #
Hacilar is reached from the city of Burdur by a short local drive (roughly 15-20 km depending on the site entrance used). Burdur is accessible by regional road from cities such as Isparta and Denizli.
Tips for Visiting Hacilar #
- Visit the Burdur Archaeological Museum (city of Burdur) for finds from Hacilar and helpful context.
- Combine a site visit with other lakeside and archaeological stops in the region to make a full day of it.
Best Time to Visit Hacilar #
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit Hacilar's open-air archaeological site.
Weather & Climate near Hacilar #
Hacilar's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 12 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with 73 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.