We know about ancient civilizations on the Anatolian plateau from murals, and excavations of sites at Gobekli Tepe and Nevali Cori. The mural paintings at Catal Huyuk are the oldest in the world on human built structures. The animals shown have been identified as bulls, horses, stag deer, bear and wild boar. The figures and scenes that are depicted suggest that hunting was very important at that time.
At a place called Gobekli Tepe, archeologists have discovered massive carved stones about 11,000 years old, crafted and arranged by prehistoric people who had not yet developed metal tools. They believe that this is the site of the world’s oldest temple.
Discoveries of settlements at Nevali, Cayonu, Hacilar, and Hoca Cesme all are evidence that the Anatolian plateau was the home of the most ancient civilizations.