A Paleolithic Tale of Edremit Gulf

Year 2025, Issue: 28, 131 - 164, 26.12.2025

Göknur Karahan

https://doi.org/10.47589/adalya.1849190

Abstract

Edremit Gulf is a coastal region located in the northeastern Aegean. During the Pleistocene, it was transformed into a landmass when the sea level fell and subsequently divided into lakes and bays when the sea level rose. It is therefore important to emphasize the region’s significance in terms of Paleolithic archaeology. It allows east-west and north-south movements between Anatolia and Europe, with its high ecological value and the natural passages it provides. Furthermore, it is notable for the survival of hominins and the use of existing resources. 29 Paleolithic findspots were detected between 2021 and 2023. Lower Paleolithic data in the region are mostly associated with riverine and marine terraces, with fewer occurrences of geothermal resources. The Acheulean lithic assemblages feature large cutting tools, including handaxes, cleavers, and trihedral picks, as well as pebble core technology and flakes. Middle Paleolithic data is more intense in high-altitude plateaus and plains. The Mousterian assemblages show a variety of retouched tools and extensive use of Levallois and discoid flaking. The Upper and / or Epipaleolithic data in Ayvalık maquis indicate the potential existence of data from these periods in Türkiye.

Keywords

Aegean , Edremit , Paleolithic , lithic technology , hominin dispersals

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