Çatalhöyük Neolithic Site,Turkey

Notable discoveries include elaborate wall paintings, reliefs, and plastered human skulls interpreted as ancestor veneration. The site was first extensively excavated by James Mellaart in the 1960s; later large-scale scientific excavations and long-term research by the Çatalhöyük Research Project (from the 1990s) revised many interpretations. There have been academic controversies over finds and interpretations, and the site's dramatic murals and symbols have inspired popular speculation about prehistoric beliefs and rituals.

• East Mound (Çatalhöyük East) – the area open to visitors with viewing platforms and interpretive displays
• West Mound (Çatalhöyük West) – the principal ongoing archaeological area (restricted access)
• Visitor Centre and Site Museum – exhibitions, reconstructions, and interpretive panels
• Reconstructed Neolithic houses and rooftop walkways
• Iconic wall paintings, reliefs and plastered skulls
• Finds displayed in Konya museums (regional archaeological collections)

• Densely packed mudbrick houses accessed from flat rooftops rather than streets
• Rich Neolithic wall paintings and relief art depicting animals, hunting and symbolic imagery
• Plastered human skulls and traces of ritual/ancestor veneration
• Deep occupation layers (a tell) recording centuries of continuous rebuilding
• Clear evidence for early agriculture, storage, craft specialisation and obsidian trade

• Guided tours of the East Mound and visitor centre
• Walk viewpoints and raised platforms to see excavation areas and landscape
• Explore reconstructed houses and interpretive exhibits
• Visit displays of artifacts (pottery, tools, pigments) at the site centre or Konya museums
• Photography and landscape observation—excellent for archaeology enthusiasts
• Combine the visit with Konya city highlights (Mevlâna Museum, Seljuk architecture)

• Occasional archaeological conferences, workshops and field-school activities hosted by research teams
• Seasonal lectures, temporary exhibitions and public-archaeology events at the visitor centre
• Local cultural events and festivals in nearby Konya (seasonal), which may be of interest to visitors

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) for mild, pleasant weather and comfortable site conditions. Summers are hot and winters can be cold and snowy.

Continental climate: hot, dry summers (can reach 30–40°C) and cold winters (often below 0°C). Low to moderate precipitation—bring sun protection in summer and warm layers in winter.

The site is ticketed and has a visitor centre; opening hours and fees are seasonal and subject to change. Check the official Çatalhöyük visitor centre website or Konya tourism pages for current prices and seasonal opening times. Guided tours may be booked in advance.

Approximately 55–60 km south of Konya city by road; nearest airport is Konya Airport (KYA). The site is best reached by car, rental, or organised day tours from Konya. Public transport options are limited—regional buses and local tours from Konya/Cumra are common. Uneven terrain, excavation platforms and steps mean limited accessibility for wheelchairs and those with reduced mobility; inquire in advance about assistance.

Plan for half a day (2–4 hours) to visit the East Mound and visitor centre; allow a full day (6–8 hours) if combining with Konya museums and other local sights.

Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes; sun hat, sunscreen and plenty of water in warm months; warm layers and a windproof jacket in cooler months. A small daypack, camera, and a field guide or notes if you are interested in archaeology.

Nearby Konya is known for etli ekmek (thin meat-topped flatbread) and rich local cuisine. Pick up local honey, hand-painted ceramics, replica Neolithic-style pottery, guidebooks, and postcards as souvenirs. Museum shops sometimes sell replica artifacts and educational materials.