Material culture and socio-political identities: the Contribution of the Period IV ceramic assemblage from Niğde-Kınık Höyük to the reconstruction of Middle and Late Iron Age in Central Anatolia

This dissertation examines the previously unpublished ceramic material from the citadel of Niğde-Kınık Höyük dating to the Middle and Late Iron Age (800-500 BC), designated as Period IV (KH-IV). The study aims to elucidate the socio-economic and political dynamics of Central Anatolia by analysing the material culture of Niğde-Kınık Höyük and comparing it with other regional sites. Methodologically, the study addresses the challenges of ceramic analysis by adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates raw material analysis, production techniques, and functional attributes (derived from morphological analysis). The chaîne opératoire framework is used to investigate technological traditions as cultural identifiers. Archaeometric techniques, including portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), provide objective data on the technological complexity of pottery production. The thesis presents a detailed analysis of the ceramic fabrics, distinguishing local production and classifying the ceramics into three broad groups based on their origin: Local KH (close to the site), Local-N (within the Niğde district) and Non-local. This classification helps to understand the technological traditions and their socio-cultural implications. The morphological and functional typology of the Period IV pottery highlights serial production with variations in details such as rim shapes and surface treatments. Comparative analysis with other Central Anatolian sites confirms the typology and reveals both local and regional ceramic production patterns. Overall, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of the socio-political landscape of Middle Iron Age Anatolia and demonstrates the importance of technological analysis in material culture studies. It demonstrates how ceramic production reflects wider historical dynamics and provides valuable insights into the cultural evolution of Central Anatolia.