Çekerek Kızlar Kayası Kalesi (original) (raw)

Kayalıdere Kalesi Urartu Çanak Çömleği: 2018/2019 Yılı Kazıları

Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Sosyal bilimler Enstitüsü dergisi, 2022

Situated in the west of the central region of the Urartian Kingdom, Kayalıdere Fortress is 20 km northwest of the Varto district of Muş province. The fortress was discovered during Burney’s surveys in the region in 1956, and later another excavation project was undertaken by Burney in 1965. After a long cessation, rescue excavations containing cleaning and drilling works were carried out at the fortress during the construction of the Alparslan II Dam between 2018 and 2019. Three different areas were studied, in particular, the upper citadel, the northwest settlement (lower terrace), and the sanctuary with a stele. Ceramics are one of the most frequently encountered artifacts. Hence, this article examines the results of the pottery objects obtained from the cleaning and sounding excavations executed at the castle. The pottery artifacts do not exhibit a rich typological diversity. Nonetheless, pots, bowls, trays, pithoi, and miniature vessels represent distinct form types. In terms of paste characteristics, especially bright red burnished Urartian wares are noteworthy. Additionally, brown, terracotta, cream, and gray paste ware groups have been encountered. Pieces with terracotta, brown, and cream slip applications are significant as they yield the existence of different surface treatments. Another feature we consider a local practice is the distinctive straw, plant, and gravel inclusions in the ceramic fabrics. Pictorial markings on the vessels were employed mainly for measuring purposes, and animal motifs such as horses and mountain goats are commonly utilized in clay stamps.