Alvise MATESSI, Emre DALKILIÇ, Lorenzo DALFONSO

SETTLEMENT PATTERNS, ANCIENT ROUTES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN SOUTH CAPPADOCIA (TURKEY), DURING THE HOLOCENE

As a part of the Central Anatolian Plateau, South Cappadocia corresponds to today’s province of Niğde. In this paper we will discuss the diachronic evolution of settlement pattern and the route network of this region, and their relation with major events of environmental and climatic change during the Holocene. We will argue that while human response to climate and environmental change is the reason for some major change in human geography, there are climate change events not reflected in settlement pattern and long-distance routes crossing the region, and major changes in human geography independent from environmental and climate change. A case-by-case analysis is therefore suggested as the correct approach to formulate a correct understanding of the human-landscape relation through time.

Anahtar Kelimeler:

south Cappadocia, settlement pattern, long distance routes, Holocene

SETTLEMENT PATTERNS, ANCIENT ROUTES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN SOUTH CAPPADOCIA (TURKEY), DURING THE HOLOCENE

As a part of the Central Anatolian Plateau, South Cappadocia corresponds to today’s province of Niğde. In this paper we will discuss the diachronic evolution of settlement pattern and the route network of this region, and their relation with major events of environmental and climatic change during the Holocene. We will argue that while human response to climate and environmental change is the reason for some major change in human geography, there are climate change events not reflected in settlement pattern and long-distance routes crossingthe region, and major changes in human geography independent from environmental and climate change. A caseby-case analysis is therefore suggested as the correct approach to formulate a correct understanding of the human-landscape relation through time.

Keywords:

south Cappadocia, settlement pattern, long distance routes, Holocene,

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