A Sanctuary of Ancient Rituals

Köşk Höyük – The Neolithic Mound of Niğde

Discover the mysterious "Plastered Skulls" and the
sophisticated village life of Central Anatolia’s early settlers.

Explore the Ancient Mound

Unveiling the Faces of the Past

Köşk Höyük is an archaeological treasure located near the town of Bahçeli in the Niğde province. Occupied between 6,000 and 4,500 BC, this mound has provided historians with some of the most striking evidence of Neolithic ritual life ever found in Cappadocia.

The site is internationally famous for its "Plastered Skulls." In a unique funerary rite, the inhabitants of Köşk Höyük would remove the skulls of their deceased, cover them with lime plaster to recreate facial features, and often use shells for eyes. These "reconstructed" faces were then kept within the homes, suggesting a deep ancestral cult.

Beyond its rituals, Köşk Höyük was a center of craftsmanship. Its proximity to the obsidian mines of Göllüdağ allowed the community to develop a sophisticated tool industry, while their painted pottery and mother-of-pearl ornaments show a society with a rich artistic tradition and complex social standing.

Plastered Skulls

Learn about the rare Neolithic tradition of facial reconstruction for the deceased.

Obsidian Mastery

See the remnants of a society that specialized in crafting high-quality volcanic glass tools.

Mother-of-Pearl Art

Discover early jewelry and ornaments that prove the existence of trade with distant coastal regions.

Complex Architecture

Explore the layout of stone-foundation houses that show an organized and sedentary village life.

Plan Your Visit

Köşk Höyük – Quick Facts

📍

Location

Located in Bahçeli, Niğde. Near the famous Roman Pool (Roma Havuzu).

🏺

Famous For

Plastered skulls, high-status Neolithic burials, and obsidian artifacts.

Visit Duration

45 minutes at the site, plus time for the nearby Niğde Museum.

🏛️

Top Tip

Must be paired with the Niğde Museum to see the original skull finds.


Life 7,000 Years Ago

The Ancestor Cult of Köşk Höyük

The inhabitants of Köşk Höyük were part of a wider Neolithic network that included Aşıklı Höyük and Çatalhöyük. However, their artistic expression was distinct. Excavations have revealed relief-decorated pottery and small figurines that provide insight into their religious beliefs, often centered around fertility and the natural world.

The plastered skulls found here are particularly significant because they represent some of the most advanced examples in the Near East. By applying plaster over the bone, these ancient people "brought back" the dead, allowing the deceased to remain a visible part of the family unit. This practice indicates a society with a highly developed sense of history and lineage.

The mound also sits adjacent to the Roman Pool (Roma Havuzu) and the ancient city of Tyana. This geographical overlap shows that the area around Köşk Höyük has been a vital center of human life for nearly eight millennia, thanks to the abundant natural springs and fertile plains of Niğde.

Visitor Information

Köşk Höyük is a quiet, evocative site. While the mound itself is open for viewing, the real "magic" of the discovery is found in the nearby museum.

How to Get There

Located about 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Göreme. It is easily accessible via the main Nevşehir-Niğde highway.

The Niğde Museum

The original plastered skulls and the best figurines from Köşk Höyük are displayed in the Niğde Archaeological Museum. Do not miss it!

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with the Roman Pool (just minutes away) and the Tyana Aqueducts for a full day of history.

Entrance

The site is usually open-air and accessible. Check with local guides for current excavation status if visiting in the summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did they plaster the skulls?

It was likely a form of ancestor worship. By recreating the face of the dead, they preserved the identity and spirit of the person within the family home.

Is it better than Çatalhöyük?

While smaller than Çatalhöyük, Köşk Höyük offers a much more intimate look at the specific burial customs of the Niğde region and is significantly less crowded.

Can I take photos of the skulls?

At the Niğde Museum, photography is usually permitted without flash. At the site itself, you can photograph the excavation areas and mound.


Ready to Explore Cappadocia's History?

From the Neolithic age to the Byzantine era, we help you discover the true stories of Anatolia. Contact Wow Cappadocia to plan your custom historical journey.

WhatsApp Us for Cappadocia Planning