Belbaşı Rock Shelter
Belbaşı Rock Shelter
Epipalaeolithic to Early Neolithic (12000–6500 BCE)·Epipalaeolithic–Neolithic·🇹🇷 Antalya Province, Korkuteli, Turkey
About
About Belbaşı Rock Shelter
Belbaşı Rock Shelter in Antalya Province, Korkuteli, Turkey is a Epipalaeolithic to Early Neolithic (12000–6500 BCE) rock-shelter of Epipalaeolithic–Neolithic tradition. Mesolithic shelter linking Karain–Beldibi rock-shelter sequence. 12000 BCE, the site forms a stratified mound/karst shelter 25 m wide, 12 m deep, terrace 800 m², 3 m deposit. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose rock shelter with dry-stone windbreak, plastered hearths architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds.
Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional Epipalaeolithic–Neolithic networks across the Antalya Province. Threats include road construction, erosion, quarrying; research continues on Epipalaeolithic–Neolithic chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for Epipalaeolithic–Neolithic Epipalaeolithic to Early Neolithic (12000–6500 BCE) in Antalya Province, Korkuteli; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Epipalaeolithic–Neolithic levels?
- 02Function of extramural cemetery?
Theories
- 01Demic diffusion vs local adoption
- 02Ritual aggregation centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.12000 BCE
- Period
- Epipalaeolithic to Early Neolithic (12000–6500 BCE)
- Culture
- Epipalaeolithic–Neolithic
- Purpose
- Mesolithic shelter linking Karain–Beldibi rock-shelter sequence
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.12000 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1200 BCE
Major expansion / fortification phase
20th c.
Systematic excavation begins
On the ground
Structures & features
36.9200° N · 30.5500° E · 450 m · 3 mapped features
Belbaşı Rock Shelter — Main Gallery
caveMain karst gallery with stratified breccia, burials and lithics
36.9208° N · 30.5506° EBelbaşı Rock Shelter — Terrace Midden
middenTerrace midden with pottery, fauna and hearths outside the mouth
36.9195° N · 30.5493° EBelbaşı Rock Shelter — Rock Art Panel
rock artPainted/geometric panels on shelter wall
36.9205° N · 30.5496° E