©The Archaeological Settlements of Turkey - TAY Project

Salat Camii Yani

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Salat Camii Yaný
Type:
 Mound
Altitude:
 m
Region:
 Southeastern Anatolia
Province:
 Diyarbakir
District:
 Bismil
Village:
 Yukarisalat
Investigation Method:
 Excavation
Period:

     

Location: Salat Cami Yani is located near Salat Stream; a branch of Tigris River; 20 km east of Bismil district of Diyarbakir Province. Code S60/29.
Geography and Environment: A big part of the mound has been vanished because of taking soil for new buildings. Most of the materials were collected from little areas; which remained rather high. This section is probably the center of the mound.
History:
Research and Excavation: The site has been discovered by G. Algaze and determined as a Ceramic Neolithic settlement. It has been researched again by a team conducted by Y. Miyake during 2003 Season Salat Cami Yani and Lower Bismil Survey; as a part of METU TAÇDAM Salvage Project of the Archaeological Heritage of the Ilisu and Carchemish Dam Reservoirs. Excavations started by the same team in 2004. Salat Mosque Nearby excavations are fully completed with the studies carried out in 2009.
Stratigraphy: 8 levels belonging to Neolithic have been observed. According to the collected material these Pottery Neolithic levels divided in to two phases. Upper Phase (levels 1-4); Lower Phase (level 5-8) [Miyake 2006:118]. Based on the data obtained as a result of the 2005 researches; it was found that there are at least three Neolithic Age phases at Salat Cami Yani. The stratification is as follows: Neolithic Age phase 3: layers 1; 2 Neolithic Age phase 2: layers 3-7 Neolithic Age phase 1: layers 8-12 Virgin soil (Miyake 2007:284) Out of the three phases the 1st represents the earliest period in terms of settlement history. The approximately 1 m high cultural layer found just above the virgin soil belongs to that phase. The virgin soil contains orange color; and limestone grains; and some pits; or depressions [Miyake 2007:285]. Within the phase 1 that was found right above the virgin soil sherds containing plenty of large grain mineral temper with burnished surfaces were revealed which constituted the largest ware group. Within phase 2 that follows the first one the plant-tempered earthenware which replaces this group of ware which can be determined as coarse ware, constituted the largest group. In phase 3 on top, on one side the coarse ware kept constituting the majority, and among these new elements paint decorations, embossment decorations and husking tray as well as developed forms such as necked jars, carinated vessels are observed. The phase 3 of Salat Cami Yani, which has a similar characteristic, is also a very close specimen when compared to the Proto-Hassuna period of Northern Mesopotamia. This way it may be asserted that the phase 3 is contamporaneous of Proto-Hassuna period and the phases 1 and 2 which are relatively older than phase 3, are certainly older than Proto-Hassuna period. As a result it was found that Salat Cami Yani represents the first half of the Ceramic Neolithic Age [Miyake 2008:211-212].
Small Finds: Architecture: There are lots of fireplaces and a damaged hearth in level 1. It is also suggested that there should be a buliding at the corner of the trench. In level 2 there is a rectengular building and 6 hearths which built one on the other. Although level 3 has not been excavated completely it is understood that there is a rectangular building and a hearth at the same places with the ones in level 2. The rectangular building in level 4 is in the same direction with the others. It can be say that there is a continuity in the usage of space from level 1 to level 3 and level 4 is also can be included. The pottery support this idea too. Levels 5 and 8 belong to lower phase. Beginning from level 5 trench D has been made small and lowered as a deep sondage. There is no architectural remain in the lower phase; but the pebble pavement in level 7. Pavement is dense at the southern part; it becomes rare and ends towards north. Virgin soil is reached partly under levels 7 and 8. Thus a cultural deposit of 3 m thick appeared between the top surface of the trenchand the virgin soil [Miyake 2006:118-119]. There is a stone pavement partially on the virgin soil; and partially expanding on the embankments; in the first phase of the three Ceramic Neolithic Age phases at Salat Cami Yani; based on the results from the researches in 2005. It is remarkable that there are many animal bones on or between the pavement which was mainly constructed with large brook stones. Although not that well preserved; there are three more pavements on the upper levels of the stone pavement at the bottom [Miyake 2007:285]. Partially well preserved building remains were found in the phase 2. Those are rectangular planned buildings with pise walls; with oval shape hearths; and furnaces carved in the ground. A continuity in the usage of space was observed between the hearths which were made one on top of the other. Many furnaces were found inside the ground in the upper layers of phase 2. These remains which can be identified as furnaces or fire pits are usually in rectangular or oval shapes. They are filled with cinder. Some also contain burnt stones and clay mortar remains in situ [Miyake 2007:286]. There no architectural remains from the layer 3 yet [Miyake 2007:287]. The remains of buildings that were found in 2006, as it was the case in the previous years, consisted of the rectangular planned building with the pisé wall, the oval hearth, deep pit, and the fire pit made by digging the ground. The building with the pisé wall was built directly over the ground without using any stone foundations, and divided into small rooms by separation walls. It constitutes a continuity with the building with the pisé wall, that was found in 2005. But the number of objects found inside these buildings are near to null. Besides that, the fact that the soil that filled the rooms has the similar qualities with the soil that was used in the construction of the walls gives the impression that the rooms were filled with soil on purpose when the building was abandoned. Considering the presence of another building on top of this one it may be assumed that it was filled with soil in order to make it into a strong foundation. Lime plaster fragments were found in a building unearthed in the southeastern corner of the trench. Although in pretty small fragments the red painted decorations on them could be noticed. With a big possibility the lime plaster fragments were fallen from the mural painting [Miyake 2008:212-213]. On the courtyard among the buildings with the pisé wall, oval shaped hearths which are almost in standard size and shape were found. It was surrounded by a clay wall on a partially stone foundation which is 2 m in length. Their basis were plastered by a mizture of thin pebble tempered clay and it was hardened due to perfect burning. Usually large stones were placed underneath the basis, which were especially selected out of the similar types of stones. In general fire resistant stones (such as quartz) were selected probably in order to keep the high heat. The construction techniques of these hearths are: Primarily a shallow pit is dug, then large stones are put inside this pit, after that a wall is constructed that surrounds the clay hearth and finally the floor is plastered by small pebble tempered clay [Miyake 2008:213-214]. Many fire pits were unearthed which were built by digging the earth. 60 more were found only in 2006. This type of remains were frequently found on the open area among the buildings with the pisé wall. These were usually oval shaped and their length were between 50-130 cm. These are usually filled with vegetation remains which turned into coal or ashes. Burn signs are usually observed on the sidal walls of the pits. In some burnt stones were found in situ. These stones are of similar type with the ones paved inside the hearths. It may be due to the same purpose [Miyake 2008:214]. During the 2008 excavations which were performed for clearing up whether the 1st phase settlement set-up were different than the one in 2nd phase each of the structure remains were also identified inside 1st phase levels. The pisé walled structures with rectangular plans identified on 1st phase, were built without a stone foundation and directly on top of the soil and were in general divided by division walls to form a few rooms. The entirely unearthed structure #166 has an approximal length of 5 m, and it is 3.5 m wide. Seven rooms were formed through the use of dividing walls. It consists of a narrow and long corridor in the middle and three small rooms on each side of that [Miyake 2010:438]. The hearths unearthed in phase 1 may be categorized based on their construction techniques in two groups. One group has hard bottoms, and large size stones were placed underneath their floors. These hearths contain small cobble stone mixed paved bottoms that became black and hardened after a thorough burning process. The second group of hearths were made of clay and do not have thick bottom layers and became yellowish. The stones placed under the bottoms are smaller than the one in the other group. Since the hearths were built small and not much attention was paid on their construction maybe mentioned as a 1st phase feature [Miyake 2010:439]. Twenty three fire pits made by digging holes in the ground were identified in 2008. Some contain burnt stones inside found in situ. In addition to those there were plenty of vegetation remains that were used as fuel [Miyake 2010:439-440]. Among the remains documented as architectures in 2009 are rectangular planned pise-walled building, oval shaped furnaces, fire pits dug in soil and pits. It is observed that the pise-walled building reaches deeper down and it is constructed on soil. Since the embankment soil within this building is the same kind with the walls and since very few findings are captured inside the rooms, it is believed that this building is filled with soil on purpose. The baby and children skeletons unearthed here seem like they have been buried together with the building. Oval shaped furnaces have a rigid base, and they are paved with large rocks. The base made of pebble stones has blackened and become very rigid after being exposed to severe fire. The length of the furnace is about 2 m and it is of common type. However another furnace encountered in 2009 is smaller and it is significant that pottery pieces mixed with pebble stones are laid beneath the base. The fire pits are also encountered in the open area between the rectangular planned buildings. The burnt pebble stones are found in situ in these fire pits alongside many carbonized plant remains which are believed to be used as fuel. The finding which we encounter for the first time in 2009 is the remains of a table-like object which is made of adobe-like material. Two of those are identified in different sizes. Their function is yet to be identified [Miyake 2011: 283-284]. Pottery: The pottery dated to upper phase of Neolithic includes large amount of plant temper; generally light colored and smoothed surface. Bowls are thick rimmed and obviously have black core. There are horizontal lugs under the rim on some sherds. Forms are generally simple. Deep bowls narrowing to the mouth are common. No decorated potsherds were found. This pottery is close to Proto-Hassuna group by the technic; but absence of colored and relief decorated sherds; rare forms of sharp carinated pots and also the abcence of husking trays are the important differences. This situation points that Salat Cami pottery may be dated older than Proto-Hassuna group. It is suggested that the pottery can be compared with the site of Ginnig located in north Iraqi and yielded only simple ware [Miyake 2006:119-120]. The pottery of lower phase differs from the upper one. It contains large amount of grit temper and slightly burnished. The characteristic of the pottery is large grained grit temper. Although the forms are not so clear because of small size collected material it can be said that the bases have large diameter and simple inverted rims are common. There are also sherds with horizontal lugs under rim. No decorated potsherds were found [Miyake 2006:119-120]. Based on the data from the researches in 2005 the ceramics found in the phase 1 of the three phases at Salat Cami Yani that date to the Ceramic Neolithic Age; contain a rich amount of large grain mineral additives; their surface are usually light burnished. The most important characteristic of the large grain mineral additive is its widespread usability in large amounts. It may be stated that the vessel shapes are simple; and they mostly consist of deep jugs narrowing from bottom up to the opening. The bottoms are flat; in large diameters. There are also fragments with handles under their rims [Miyake 2007:285]. The ceramics of phase 2 has different characterisitics than phase 1 ceramics. Plant-tempering is involved in addition to mineral tempering. The surfaces were usually just wiped onto. The rims are wider; and there is a clear sign of the black core. The vessel shapes are simple again; and the majority consists of deep jugs narrowing towards the top. There are also many fragments with handles under their rims. Some lower or upper fragments also suggest that there are vessels in rectangular shape as well [Miyake 2007:286]. Vessels of the phase 3 are different than vessels of the phase 2 as well. Although they were widespread plant-tempered; new vessel shapes and ornamentations were observed among those fragments. Vessels with sharp spines in their body; husking tray and embossment ornaments may be given as examples to that. Additionally new ware groups were also unearthed. This is best represented by the well burnished; mineral tempered; dark color ceramics. Some of the fragments are similar to the Dark Surface Burnished Ware which is well known in Amuq lowland. In addition to that red paint plastered ceramics also exist. Although there were only three fragments; there are also painted fragments [Miyake 2007:287]. It is possible to date the levels that are researched in 2006, based on the characteristic of the revealed sherds as Early Phase 2 of Ceramic Neolithic Age, or the transition period between phase 2 and phase 1. It was found that the mineral tempered burnished ware which is common at phase 1 and plant-tempered coarse ware, that constitute the majority at level 2, are side by sie in these levels. Besides that although small in number the mineral tempered burnished ware contain some fine plant tempered fragments. It is also remarkable that the presence of fragments with the burnished surfaces among the plant tempered coarse ware is more widespread compared to upper levels. Therefore it was found that there is no way of drawing borderlines between phase 1 and phase 2, and that it is more appropriate if these phases are considered as part of a process that is launched from mineral tempered burnished ware going on to the plant tempered unburnished ware [Miyake 2008:215]. As a result of researches performed in 2007 presence of at least three Ceramic Neolithic Age levels inside the firm stratification was proven. Level 1 sherds: A large amount of large grained, burnished, rich mineral tempered sherds were collected on level 1 immediately above the virgin soil, which constitute the largest group of finds. The vessel forms are simple and the deep and closed forms are more common. The horizontal knobs immediately below the rim are important elements but no decorated specimen was found. It may be asserted that sherds having such characteristics are very similar to the old group of ware recently found between Euphrates catchment area and Khabur Plain. Level 2 sherds: There is an important transformation in the production and forms of pottery. Instead of mineral tempered ware, there is a large amount of organic tempered coarse ware, which constitutes the largest group. The vessel rims are usually thick and there is a clear sign of the black core. The color of the surface which was not burnished differs between brown and buff. But the vessel forms are still basic. Level 3 sherds: In this level coarse ware constitutes the majority and there are also advanced forms such as jugs with necks, crested vessels, decorations include paint decorations and relief decorations and then there are new vessels such as husking tray. Besides, fine ware specimens also exist. These new specimens also exist among the Proto-Hassuna in Northern Mesopotamia. Based on the condition of the collected sherds, Tigris catchment area is in close relations with Northern Mesopotamia. Pinkish small marble stone vessels were also found inside the Neolithic Age settlements in Northern Mesopotamia [Miyake 2009:102-103]. Relation of most of the sherds found in 2008 to the earliest phase (Phase 1) of Ceramic Neolithic Age maybe mentioned. Pottery containing plenty of mineral grains with well burnished surfaces compose the most common group. It may also be sub-categorized based on temper material and quality of the paste. These sub-groups may be listed as, 1) grit tempered ware with plenty of white and large size grits 2) grit tempered ware with plenty of black and large size grits 3) fine mineral grain tempered ware 4) fine pasted ware made of good quality clay. Besides that although rare, fine plant tempered sherds were also found. But those plant tempered sherds are different than the ones found in phase 2. Ingeneral those vessels have basic forms. Although there are a few shallow and wide open vessel forms deep and closed forms are more common. The bottoms are generally flat and wide. The horizontal handles placed underneath the rims is the most important feature of phase 1 pottery [Miyake 2010:440-441]. The potteries captured in 2009 contain pieces which have plenty of mineral additives with well-burnished surfaces. They are divided into subgroups based on the additive and type of the paste: 1) Plenty of large white grits added wares, 2) Plenty of large dark grits added wares, 3) Granular grits added wares, and 4) Thin pasted ware made of well-refined clay. The vessels are simple formed. Deep and restricted vessels are common, while a few shallow and open vessel forms exist. And, though very few, painted pieces of pottery are captured [Miyake 2011: 285]. Clay: Among the small finds revealed during the researches in 2005; the animal figurines constitute the majority. The ones with horns may be describing sheeps goats or bulls. Although not certain due to the small size of the fragments there are also fragments which may be describing human beings. The terra cotta animal figurines constitute the largest find group among the small finds revealed during the 2006 campaign. In addition to the horned figurines that are assumed to be representing the goats or the sheep, many others were unearthed that were described as possessing[Miyake 2008:215]. Beads and bracelets made of terra cotta found during 2007 campaign were also found at Umm Dabagiyah in Northern Mesopotamia [Miyake 2009:103]. Terra cotta animal figurines compose the largest assemblage as they did in previous years. Many animal figurines made of baked earth ware are captured in 2009. And baked earth ware artefacts are found along with beads and bracelets [Miyake 2011: 286]. Chipped Stone: Obsidian is more common than flint and forms tha 58% of the finds. There is no big difference between upper and lower phases except decrease in the obsidian rate at the lower phase. It is reported that the finds represent different features. Most of the obsidian are retouched blades. The 4 cores observed are belong to blades. Despite to this most of the flints are flakes and all of the cores belong to the flakes. There are some examples with cortexes [Miyake 2006:120]. There are no major differences between the three phases in the chipped stone industry as seen during the researches in 2005. The majority of the obsidian tools consist of blades from bullet shaped flakes; on a single platform. Except for a few samples no clear shape tools were observed. Pebbles were used as raw material in the processing of flintstones. The majority of the revealed samples were made of formless flakes; and most of the flake cores consist of knapping cores [Miyake 2007:287-288]. Obsidian and sylex were used in chipped stone industry as raw material and these two groups have an important difference. The local sylex is still being used as of today as raw material. Many multidirectional flake cores were revealed and although these were revealed with their cortex besides perforators elaborately shaped tools were not found very often. Obsidian consists of perforator industry. Presence of one directional and bullet formed blade cores suggest that blades were used at this settlement. Most consist of blades and bladelets and although a few there are also tools known from contemporary settlements in Nort Mesopotamia such as trapezoid, side blow blade flake and corner thinned blade. This suggests the chip stone industry was also in close relation to that region [Miyake 2010:441]. Human Remains: A burial was discovered as the first specimen at Salat Cami Yani, underneath the floor of a building which was found in the southeast corner of a trench that was researched in 2006. As a result of the researches the skeleton belongs to a baby which was dead right after the birth. The burial was found with the skull leaning partially against the wall, it was covered with a greenish clay above, but no burial present could be found [Miyake 2008:213]. Animal Remains: 4 domestic animal breeds are identified (goat, sheep, cow, and pig) and it is found that these animals constitute 97% of mammals. Of those animals the most common is the pig (about 49%) which is followed by sheep and/or goat (27% in total) and cow (20%). While some wild animals also exist among the finds, most is domesticated. And few wild animals such as fallow deer, gazelles, foxes and rabbits are captured. It is worth noting that the pig is more common than sheep/goat even in the Phase 3. The major role played by pigs in Pottery Neolithic Age is an important characteristic of Tigris Valley. However through the upper phases the dominance of pig is replaced by sheep/goats. Another important change between the phases is the sudden reduction in the number of wild animals in Phase 3 [Miyake 2011: 287]. Plant Remains: Plenty of carbonized plants were found inside the fire pits at the trench that was researched in 2006, and specimens were collected thanks to the water floatation method. As a result of the pre-assessment these plant remains consist of the wood that was probably used as fuel. Besides that although it is a small amount cereals were found such as emmer, garbanzo beans and lentl [Miyake 2008:214]. Seven burials were identified inside pisé walled spaces unearthed in 2008. Three burials were found inside the narrow and long space, two were found inside space nr4 and there was one burial in each of the remaining spaces. Most of the burials that were almost identified at the same level, were buried in hocker form to the right or to the left and adjacent to the wall. But there were no burial gifts. Two of the four skeletons were fetuses, and all four were buried right after birth. The burial found in space 3 belonged to a child 3-3.5 years of age [Miyake et al. 2010:438]. In 2009 it is observed that emmer wheat is quite common among the plant remains with some einkorn grains in between. Barley is the second in order, having a commonality of only one tenth of wheat. Among the legume species are lentils, chuck beans and grass peas. Nuts and ketene were also used for edible plants. Ziziphoras and Stipas which are found in plenty in PPNA and PPNB settlements in North Levant are also found in Salat Mosque Nearby. When the carbonized tree pieces are analysed it is found that those species which are common on the river shores such as ash tree, poplar and willow are common here [Miyake 2011: 286]. Other: There are clay animal figurines; stone spindle whorls; beads and bracelets. Additionally there are spindl whorls; hammer axes; and beads. A small stone vessel fragment has similarities with the samples seen in the neolithic settlements such as Tell Bouqras; Umm Dabagiyah and Tell es-Sawwan [Miyake 2007:288]. A copper bead was unearthed for the first time in 2008. The bead was made of natural copper, which was primarily hammered to form a small plate, then was rolled to form a circle [Miyake 2010:442]. Among the bone tools found in 2009 mainly contain awls and spatulas are rib spatulas and cylindrical beads possibly made of bird bones. I-shaped beads, spindle whorls, flat axes can be counted among the stone findings in this site [Miyake 2011: 286].
Remains:
Interpretation and Dating: The fact that no Ceramic Neolithic Age phase 1 building was coincided during the researches that took place in 2005; show that this area was used for purposes other than inhabiting; such as a square or an open space [Miyake 2007:285]. Material found here has similarities to those found at Akarçay Tepe; Mezraa Teleilat; Tell Halula and Tell Seker al-Aheimar; on the phases just above the Aceramic Neolithic Age phases. Therefore the phase 1 of this location may be dated to the beginning of the Ceramic Neolithic [Miyake 2007:285]. 12 radiocarbon dates were obtained at this settlement. Although no significcant difference was observed between the phases 1; and 2 based on the calibratedf dates the first phase of the settlement may be dated the second half of the 7th millenium BC [Miyake 2007:288]. The murals that were discovered in the southeast of the trench in 2006 although in small fragments and containing basic geometric figures it is of utmost importance due to the presence of such a tradition during the Ceramic Neolithic Age at Tigris catchment basin [Miyake 2008:213]. It may be assumed that the sixty pieces of fire pits that were revealed in 2006 were not used during long periods of time and were abandoned after a few usages. Fire or roasting pit remains are rather known in several Near Eastern regions during the Aceramic Neolithic Age, than Ceramic Neolithic. For instance Tell Mureybet in Syrie, Cafer Höyük in Eastern Anatolia and Jarmo on Zagros Mountains. Fire pits discovered at Salat Cami Yani is of importance due to its demonstration of the presence of the continuity of this tradition until the Ceramic Neolithic Age [Miyake 2008:214]. Until the end of 2007 campaign 12 radiocarbon dates were obtained at the settlement. Since appropriate 3rd level specimens were not found these dates belong to levels 1 and 2 only and these are more intense between the years 6400 and 6200 BC. Although the exact results were not obtained the organic tempered coarse ware which is common in levels 2 and 3 of the settlement have similar chemical structures and similar characteristics with the clay bed. Therefore this ware group was locally produced. Obsidian and flintstone were used in the chipped stone industry for raw material and these two groups have different production techniques. The flintstone industry consists mainly of flake industry. Obsidian on the other hand is composed of blade industry. Although a small amount, some single platform bullet formed cores and core tablets suggest production of blades in this settlement as well [Miyake 2009:104-105]. A relation between the sherds found at Salat Camii Yaný to North Mesopotamia during three phases can be mentioned. Not only those have common features but all sherds have parallel transformations, and this suggests that the cultural relationship between Tigris catchment area and Nothern Mesopotamia were very dense. Besides that this relationship is not only valid for sherds but also for all other small finds. Small stone vessels, terra cotta beads, stone spindl whorls, and similar specimens of the pictures on the wall plasters revealed at Salat Camii Yaný, can also be seen in contemporary settlements at Northern Mesopotamia [Miyake 2010:437]. Remains identified as fire pits or roasting pit actually are more commonly known in Pre-pottery Neolithic Age. The fact that many fire pits were revealed at Salat Camii Yaný, suggest that this tradition at least continued in Tigris catchment area until Ceramic Neolithic Age. Also observed is that fire pits vanished or significantly diminished after a certain period of Ceramic Neolithic Age. This situation suggests that the familiar cooking forms since pre-pottery Neolithic Age transformed during Ceramic Neolithic Age. The emergence of pottery may have played a significant role in that transformation. The fact that phase 1 pottery group identified in 2008 contained a large amount of large grained mineral temper, the deep forms of bowls were common, and had handles, suggested that those were appropriate for cooking purposes. In case this assumption is true, it may be possible to mention that pottery emerged in cooking vessel form in the near eastern region [Miyake 2010:440].


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