Temporalities of “religion” at Çatalhöyük

A key insight from the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük is that the interpretation of religious or transcendent experiences among its inhabitants requires careful consideration of multiple temporal scales, which are embedded within a narrative of longue durée. The study suggests that understanding these temporalities can advance our analysis of material evidence, challenging universal evolutionary schemes and emphasizing local evolution instead. Comparisons with modern social arrangements, rather than traditional predecessors, may offer more insight into the role of religion at Çatalhöyük. The research approach involves questioning the relevance of notions like 'symbolism' and 'religion' in Neolithic contexts and integrating archaeological analysis with theoretical narratives to contribute modestly yet rigorously to interpretive frameworks.

Pels, P. (2010). Temporalities of “religion” at Çatalhöyük. Religion in the Emergence of Civilization, 220–267. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511761416.009