Home is Where the Hearth is: What a Multi-scalar Approach to Fireplaces from Çatalhöyük, Turkey, Can Reveal About Cooking Practices in Neolithic Households

This study investigates fireplaces in the Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük in Anatolia, Turkey (levels South L–S and 4040 G–H, 6700–6100 BC). Taking a holistic view with a contextual, multi-scalar approach, I consider spatial and temporal dimensions: Large-scale landscape resources and small-scale material assemblages associated with food processing provide the context for the fireplaces, and I observe the changes over the long-term, the 600 years of my study, and the short-term impact of daily practice. Firstly, I determine the criteria for identifying different types of fireplaces, their practical function and uses. I then look at the construction of ovens and hearths in Çatalhöyük and their internal and external locations. I find individual variations between households and alterations over time and challenge interpretations that emphasise uniformity and seek trends and a grand narrative of symbolic meaning in the fireplaces. I find the abandonment of fireplaces is mainly guided by practical considerations, while the few symbolic deposits suggest the importance given to food preparation. I argue that not only natural resources and culture, but also daily practice impacts on landscape, architectural features and artefacts. I conclude that fire installations enabled households to be self-sufficient and therefore ovens and hearths had special significance.