Güvercinkayası Mound

Güvercinkayası Mound

Located on a high rock mass in Mamasin Dam Lake, Güvercinkayası is an ancient settlement that dates back to 5200-4750 BC. The site is considered a pioneer of the "castle city" model in Anatolia and one of the earliest examples of such a settlement discovered in Central Anatolia.

Excavations at Güvercinkayası began in 1996 and have uncovered artifacts that suggest the village interacted with other regions. Pottery found at the site indicates connections with Anatolia and Mesopotamia.

Güvercinkayası Mound

The village is divided into two parts: an inner castle and a lower settlement. The fortification walls at the summit of the rock protected the citadel dwellings, which were larger and richer in artifacts than the low settlement dwellings.

The settlement pattern reflects narrow, long, one-room houses that were 20 to 30 square meters in size. The houses were arranged in residential blocks, separated by narrow streets, and built into the natural shape of the rocky mountain. At the back of these houses were storage rooms for grains and other family necessities. The fortification wall separating the peak plain from terrace and slope dwellings is an early example of how wealth classes separated themselves through living style choices.

Excavations have also uncovered animal remains, including red deer, great deer, roe deer, wild cattle, wild sheep, goats, and lions. Today, Güvercinkayası is an integral part of the lively life in and around Mamasin Dam Lake.