Archaeologists have uncovered a 9,500-year-old public building with a striking red-painted floor at Çayönü Tepesi, one of the world’s most significant Neolithic settlements, located in Ergani, Diyarbakır, southeastern Turkey. The discovery offers a rare glimpse into the social life of early farming communities at the dawn of settled life.

Excavations at Çayönü, first launched in 1964, are now led by Assoc. Prof. Savaş Sarıaltun of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. Sarıaltun emphasized that the newly identified structure was likely used as a communal gathering space, rather than a private dwelling, possibly serving for meetings, rituals, or other public functions.

A Window into Early Social Organization

This season’s excavations focused on a 900-square-meter area on the eastern side of the settlement, where archaeologists uncovered the so-called “Red-Floored Building,” dating to around 7600–7500 BCE. Evidence shows that the structure remained in use for 150–200 years and that its floor was repainted at least four times, reflecting its continued significance to the community.

Sarıaltun noted that no other building at Çayönü has featured a painted floor, making this discovery particularly valuable:

“This building stands out as a communal space rather than a house. Its proximity to the famous Terrazzo Building and its construction during the same period suggest it was a key site for collective activities in Neolithic Çayönü.”

Red Ochre and Neolithic Craftsmanship

Preliminary analysis suggests the vibrant red hues were created using ochre—a natural pigment derived from iron ore—or red clay sourced from the surrounding mountains. The advanced use of pigments demonstrates the community’s sophisticated material knowledge and aesthetic sensibilities nearly 10,000 years ago.

Çayönü Tepesi: A Cradle of Civilization

Recognized as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status, Çayönü Tepesi is considered one of the earliest centers of agriculture, animal domestication, and early metallurgy. Located in the fertile region of Upper Mesopotamia, it stands alongside Göbeklitepe and Nevali Çori as a key site for understanding the Neolithic Revolution—the global shift from hunting and gathering to farming and permanent settlements.

📌 Fact Box: Çayönü Tepesi at a Glance