Çatalhöyük in Türkiye Introduces State-of-the-Art Visitor Centre

New interactive visitor facility for one of the world’s oldest settlements and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As part of its ongoing commitment to preserving cultural heritage, Türkiye has inaugurated a new 4500m2 state-of-the-art information and visitor centre in Konya’s Çatalhöyük, one of the world’s oldest and most significant settlements. The Çatalhöyük Information and Visitor Centre heralds a new era of exploration and appreciation for this archaeological treasure.

Located within the archaeological site, the Çatalhöyük Information and Visitor Centre is a symbolic portal into a world brimming with archaeological wonders and cultural relevance. The centre aims to provide comprehensive insights into the rich heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, broadening its reach to global visitors. It offers a comprehensive understanding of Çatalhöyük and its surroundings, excavation sites, and the themes of life and death during the Neolithic era.

With state-of-the-art exhibits, interactive displays, and captivating multimedia installations, the centre invites visitors to delve deep into the enigmatic world of Çatalhöyük, revealing its complex past and the societal intricacies of its ancient inhabitants.

This collaborative project, supported by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality, the Mevlana Development Agency, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, symbolises Türkiye’s commitment to safeguarding and sharing Çatalhöyük’s legacy sustainably. The centre offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors keen to unravel the mysteries of this ancient civilisation, demonstrating how sustainability and heritage preservation can successfully intersect.

Catalhöyük

Centrally located within Türkiye, Çatalhöyük, a renowned Neolithic excavation site, invites visitors to step back in time and uncover an urban settlement whose discovery has reshaped historical understanding. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Çatalhöyük site provides a glimpse into a society over 9,000 years old. Artefacts, mud-brick houses, and what are believed to be temples offer detailed insights into the lives, beliefs, and societal development of its early settlers.

Çatalhöyük’s importance lies in its age and the remarkable preservation of its cultural and societal structures, providing invaluable insights into the evolution of human society, social organisation, and cultural practices. The settlement’s highly advanced design – with houses built in clusters, sharing walls, and accessed through roof openings – demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of urban planning and sustainable living, making it a site of significant academic and historical importance.

The Çatalhöyük Information and Visitor Centre invites history enthusiasts and curious minds to embark on an immersive journey through time.