Neolithic cave art discovered in ancient region of Cilicia

Cave art dating back 8000 years was discovered near Mersin, southern Turkey. The cave located in the city’s Gülnar district holds the first cave paintings in Middle Taurus mountains in the region of Cilicia. 

Prehistoric cave art found in Cilicia (by Daily Sabah)
Prehistoric cave art found in Cilicia (by Daily Sabah)

The cave paintings are said to be almost fully intact. The experts date them to a period between 6000-5000 BC. The primitive paintings are considered to be similar to previous finds of rock art in the Latmos Mountains in western Turkey. According to the archaeologists, the painting shows dancing figures that probably depict rituals marking the coming of spring, the start of harvest season or rites of passage in line with the belief system of prehistoric people. The cave is believed to be some sort of a religious place of the prehistoric community. Usually cave paintings were discovered in Turkey in places considered being “cult centres” in the prehistoric times.

Prehistoric cave art found in Cilicia (by Daily Sabah)
Prehistoric cave art found in Cilicia (by Daily Sabah)

(after Daily Sabah)

1 Comment


  1. // Reply

    ooo nice- I was near there during summer vacation. I didnt know about that discovery! Thanks

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