Discoveries of the first human settlement in the Black Sea region are attracting attention

SAMSUN (İHA) – Historical artifacts extracted from the Tekkeköy Caves, known as the first human settlement in the Black Sea Region, attract the attention of visitors. Tekkeköy Caves, which are considered to be one of humanity’s first settlements and have a history dating back thousands of years in Samsun, fascinate with their natural beauty and history. Hosting remnants from the Epipaleolithic Age, Mesolithic Age, and Bronze Age, Tekkeköy Caves reveal the multi-layered caves showcasing the first-floor settlement, becoming a focal point that attracts local and foreign tourists every year. Some of the artifacts excavated from the initial human settlement in the area where the caves are located are exhibited in the Samsun Museum. Located 17 km southeast of the city center, the Tekkeköy district is an important center in illuminating the prehistoric periods of the Black Sea Region. The first archaeological research in the region was carried out in 1941 by a team led by I. Kılıç Kökten with the support of the Turkish Historical Society, including Tahsin Özgüç and Nimet Özgüç. Many artifacts unearthed are displayed in the Samsun Museum like other historical artifacts. The information provided for the Tekkeköy excavations in the museum states, ‘Cultural niches formed by the valleys irrigated by the Fındıcak and Çınarlık Rivers and the rising rock formations along these valleys are represented by caves, flat settlements, open-air worship areas, and rock tombs. In the excavations carried out in the caves, flint tools from the Epipaleolithic Period and animal bones were found. Pottery, stone, metal, and similar cultural artifacts ranging from the Chalcolithic Age to the Hellenistic Period were discovered in the flat settlement (tobacco field) and other areas.’ In the Samsun Museum, artifacts from the excavations in the region include flint tools from the Epipaleolithic Period, a perforated axe made of red deer antler, flint tools, blades, cores, scrapers, chisels, borers, and various pottery and metal objects from the Enken Bronze Age.