Harbetsuvan Tepe: A Glimpse into Prehistoric Turkey
Harbetsuvan Tepe, also known as Harbetsuvan Tepesi, was discovered during surface surveys in 2014. It lies within Şanlıurfa province in southeast Turkey. Situated about 53 km east of Şanlıurfa on the Tektek Mountains plateau, this site shares characteristics with other notable Pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPN) settlements like Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe. Harbetsuvan Tepesi stands on a mesa at the eastern edge of the Harran Plain, an ideal location for ancient settlements.
Get your dose of History via Email
Discovery and Significance
The surface surveys at Harbetsuvan Tepesi revealed depressions carved into the bedrock and an array of flint and obsidian tools. These findings suggest the site served as a small-scale cult center during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period. Additionally, several T-shaped pillars, similar to those found at Nevali Çori and Göbekli Tepe, were identified. Notably, one pillar featured reliefs depicting fingers, a discovery made possible through illegal excavations.
Location and Environment
Harbetsuvan Tepesi sits at an altitude of 714 meters, nestled in the highlands of the Tektek Mountains. This region, characterized by its calcareous rocks and lack of water sources, relies on rainwater collected in cisterns. The settlement covers about 6000 square meters, concentrated on the peak of a rocky hill. Karahan Tepe, a significant PPN settlement, lies approximately 7 km northeast, while the vast Harran Plain stretches 5 km to the west.
Archaeological Discoveries
Harbetsuvan Tepesi boasts numerous well-preserved architectural remains. The T-shaped pillars, some still standing, are scattered across the site. These pillars, arranged side by side at intervals of 1.5 to 2 meters, vary in length from 1 to 1.5 meters and in width from 40 to 50 centimeters. One pillar bears the relief of a hand and a girdle, akin to those at Göbekli Tepe and Nevali Çori. The discovery of a round-plan building, featuring these pillars, further emphasizes the site’s significance. This structure, similar to ‘Enclosure F’ at Göbekli Tepe, demonstrates that round-plan buildings persisted into the early PPNB period.
Daily Life and Tools
Harbetsuvan Tepesi’s small finds include flint and obsidian tools, comprising arrowheads, scrapers, perforators, and sickle blades. Flint artifacts dominate the finds, sourced from nearby deposits. The flint tools’ typology dates them to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period, with arrowheads being the most common. Interestingly, the proportion of arrowheads at Harbetsuvan Tepesi is significantly higher than at Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, highlighting the site’s distinct character.
Comparative Analysis
Harbetsuvan Tepesi shares many features with other PPN settlements in the region, such as Karahan Tepe, Kurt Tepesi, and Taslı Tepe. The architectural remains and small finds exhibit similarities, particularly the T-shaped pillars. These parallels suggest a network of cult centers throughout the region, each contributing to the broader understanding of PPN culture and society.
Conclusion
Harbetsuvan Tepesi offers invaluable insights into the early stages of human settlement and communal life. The site’s architectural remains, particularly the round-plan building and T-shaped pillars, highlight its role as a small-scale cult center. Future excavations will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of Harbetsuvan Tepesi and its place within the Neolithic landscape of southeast Turkey.
Sources:
Neural Pathways is a collective of seasoned experts and researchers with a profound passion for unraveling the enigmas of ancient history and artifacts. With a wealth of combined experience spanning decades, Neural Pathways has established itself as a leading voice in the realm of archaeological exploration and interpretation.