KENDALE HECALA ON THE AMBAR ÇAY IN THE UPPER TIGRIS REGION: THE FIRST PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE 2018-2019 EXCAVATIONS

This study offers preliminary results and a tentative chronology of Kendale Hecala, a small multiperiod site located in the northernmost part of Mesopotamia and excavated in 2018-19 as part of Ambar Dam Rescue Excavations. The site was initially settled in the Late Neolithic period (ca. 7200 BC) with subsequent occupations dated to the Early Ubaid period (ca. 5200/5100-4800 BC), as indicated by characteristic decorated pottery, and in the Middle Age (ca. 8th-14th centuries AD). The Late Neolithic period, represented by pisé walls, is thus far only documented in one trench. The Early Ubaid architecture is characterized by the stone foundations of one or two room buildings. The Middle Age levels produced architecture in the form of stone foundations, and unique pot burials.

Anahtar Kelimeler:

Kendale Hecala, Ambar Çay, Late Neolithic, Early Ubaid, Middle Age, Upper Tigris Basin

Kendale Hecala on the Ambar Çay in the Upper Tigris Region: The First Preliminary Report on the 2018-2019 Excavations

This study offers preliminary results and a tentative chronology of Kendale Hecala, a small multiperiod site located in the northernmost part of Mesopotamia and excavated in 2018-19 as part of Ambar Dam Rescue Excavations. The site was initially settled in the Late Neolithic period (ca. 7200 BC) with subsequent occupations dated to the Early Ubaid period (ca. 5200/5100-4800 BC), as indicated by characteristic decorated pottery, and in the Middle Age (ca. 8th-14th centuries AD). The Late Neolithic period, represented by pisé walls, is thus far only documented in one trench. The Early Ubaid architecture is characterized by the stone foundations of one or two-room buildings. The Middle Age levels produced architecture in the form of stone foundations and unique pot burials.

Keywords:

Kendale Hecala, Ambar Çay, Late Neolithic, Early Ubaid, Middle Age, Upper Tigris Basin,

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