Latest news with #Anatolian
DW
2 days ago
- Science
- DW
Prehistoric matriarchy in Turkey revealed by DNA analysis – DW – 07/23/2025
Genetic analysis of bodies from a 9,000-year-old settlement revealed clues pointing to unusual societal structures. As far back as the 1960s, archaeologists had a feeling that Catalhoyuk was something special. And not just because the Neolithic settlement was one of the oldest continually inhabited places in the world. Researchers believed that women had an elevated societal position in Catalhoyuk, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in contemporary Turkey. But that hunch was only based on figurines they had found and believed to represent Anatolian mother goddesses. Only with the methods of modern archaeology were researchers able to turn their feelings into fact: Society in the Catalhoyuk of 9,000 years ago was centered around women. An international research team led by geneticists from the Middle East Technical University in Ankara published their findings in the journal Science. The researchers came to their conclusion after examining 131 skeletons they had discovered buried right under houses the people of Catalhoyuk had inhabited. DNA analysis showed that people buried under the same house were often related — on their mother's side. In other words, when a man and a woman entered a partnership in the Neolithic settlement, they moved in with the family of the woman, not that of the man. Households were formed on a matrilineal basis. And there was another indication that women had a higher status than men: Archaeologists found as many as five times the grave goods buried with female bodies than with male ones. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In the more recent past, patrilineal households, where women move in with their male partner's family after marriage, were more common — and formed a patriarchy. So, does the reverse mean that the residents of Catalhoyuk, who lived from about 7100 to 6000 BCE, lived in a matriarchy? Not necessarily, said prehistoric archaeologist Eva Rosenstock, who took part in the excavation in Catalhoyuk and researches scientific and cultural archaeology. "Whether a society is matrilocal or patrilocal generally doesn't tell you anything about who has the power," Rosenstock told DW. "But those things often go hand in hand." Digging up, if you will, usable DNA for genetical analysis was not an easy feat for the researchers. Catalhoyuk was located in a region with continental climate, with strong fluctuations between winter and summer. Under these conditions, even teeth, which were known until recently as one of the best source of DNA, do not keep forever. But there is a tiny part of the human body that has turned out to be the perfect source of DNA in adverse conditions such as those in the Catalhoyuk region: the petrous part of the temporal bone, located in the inner ear. "It's like a DNA safe!" Rosenstock said. It was through analyzing the material in this "DNA safe" that researchers discovered the matrilineal relationship between people buried under the same house. But not all people buried under the same house were related. The archaeologists assume that it wasn't out of the ordinary in Catalhoyuk society to switch children, so that your child would grow up in a different family close by. This was probably done in an effort to guarantee equal distribution of resources and, according to experts, points to society valuing the idea of equal rights for all. "If your own child grows up three doors down, you're probably not going to advocate for just your household to get the best of everything," said Rosenstock. But how did a society valuing equality and centered on women turn into the patriarchy that has dominated Central Europe in the more recent past? Rosenstock doesn't have an answer — at least not yet: "That's the next exciting question."
The Star
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Centuries-old oil wrestling festival once again draws crowds in Turkiye
Young wrestlers competing during the annual Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling championship in Edirne. — KHALIL HAMRA/AP With wrestlers taking to the field to the beat of drums echoing through Turkiye's northwestern border city of Edirne, the centuries-old oil wrestling festival once again draws enthusiastic crowds and celebrates a rich cultural legacy. The week-long 664th edition of the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival took place recently, culminating in the crowning of this year's baspehlivan – the top titleholder in traditional oil wrestling. The baspehlivan title represents the pinnacle of strength and skill, as well as the deep honour and respect central to Turkish oil wrestling's heritage. Listed by Unesco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival traces its roots to 1361, when Ottoman commander Sultan Murad ordered a wrestling match in honour of 40 warriors following the conquest of Edirne. Since then, it has evolved into a cherished summer tradition, deeply woven into Turkiye's cultural fabric. A young wrestler getting doused in oil during the festival. This year, around 800 wrestlers from across Turkiye attended the festival, competing in 14 weight categories at Edirne's historic Sarayici arena. Some wrestling enthusiasts who travelled to Edirne for the event had to camp around the iconic Selimiye Mosque after the city's hotels reached full capacity. 'I came all the way from Kayseri, a central Anatolian province, just to witness this tradition firsthand,' said Metin Eren, a wrestling fan who pitched a tent near the mosque. 'Finding a hotel was impossible, but it doesn't matter – being here and watching the matches up close is worth everything.' Ayla Kaya, a vendor selling traditional snacks near the wrestling grounds, said that the Kirkpinar festival draws large crowds to Edirne, making it the busiest time of year for her business. 'I take great pride in sharing local flavours with visitors from all over Turkiye and even beyond,' she said. The sporting event is not only a showcase of strength and tradition but also a symbol of unity, cultural pride, and growing international appeal, according to Edirne's first female mayor, Filiz Gencan Akin. 'Kirkpinar is more than just a competition. It's a living tradition that carries the soul of our heritage,' Akin said. 'We've prepared for this event for an entire year,' she added. 'We upgraded the stadium, created a dedicated gastronomy area, and set up a special marketplace to highlight Edirne's rich cultural and culinary offerings.' As this year's event concluded, Akin shared that the municipality will begin reviewing areas for improvement ahead of next year's edition. 'We're developing international promotion strategies so that more people around the world can discover Edirne and this unique tradition,' she said. – Xinhua
New York Post
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Horny hair transplant patient says his head ‘blew up like a balloon' after ignoring a surprising post-surgery rule: ‘Too hard too soon'
It's a hairy situation. An influencer says his head 'blew up like a balloon' after he violated the 'no-sex rule' after undergoing a hair transplant in Turkey. '[I] woke up the next day and my head was just absolutely massive,' Ruben Owen, 24, told South West News Service about the supersize side effect. Advertisement The cranial complication occurred in 2022 after the Wales-based social media influencer flew to the Anatolian nation at the age of 22 to get his lost locks surgically restored. 3 'I looked like something out of a film — it was something else,' Ruben Owen recalled. Ruben Owen / SWNS The content creator was reportedly concerned with his hairline and was offered the op free of charge provided he did some modelling for the clinic in question. Advertisement Amazed over the seemingly bang-ing deal, Owen flew to Turkey, underwent the procedure and returned to Wales the next day — a pilgrimage that cost him just over $1,000 round trip. All seemed to go swimmingly until the Welshman ignored surgeons' advice to abstain from hanky-panky for seven days post-op. Dome reforestation experts warn that partaking in sexual activities too soon can cause increased blood pressure, reopen incisions, and cause infections, among other complications. 'I didn't quite listen about the sex part,' said Owen, who reportedly made whoopie that very night. Advertisement 3 Owen had been offered the surgery for free in exchange for modeling for the clinic. Ruben Owen / SWNS 3 'I didn't quite listen about the sex part and because of that my face just went quite enormous,' said Owen, whose swelling took a week to recede. Ruben Owen / SWNS Unfortunately, this decision literally blew up in his face as the next morning he awoke with an 'enormous' noggin. 'I wake up and my head's blown up like a balloon — face puffed, scalp tight, and it looked like I'd been stung by 100 bees,' lamented Owen. 'The left-hand side was bigger than anything to the point it didn't even look like I had been punched — it genuinely looked like my face was going to explode.' Advertisement He was initially concerned he had contracted a sexually-transmitted disease, but then realized it was his fault for 'going too hard too soon.' Thankfully, doctors informed him that his puffed noodle was nothing to worry about and that the swelling would go down in about a week, which it thankfully did. Owen said he definitely learned his lesson the 'weird way,' but now sees the funny side of his accidental noggin augmentation. 'It is one of those stories that still gets brought up, and to me it is too good not to share,' he said. 'This is one of them things that I look back on now and it was really stupid I hadn't listened but it was really funny.' Owen emerged relatively unscathed compared to other horror stories out of Turkey, which has become a mecca for those looking to go under the knife on the cheap. Last month, influencer Ana Bárbara Buhr Buldrini, 31, died after undergoing several cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation and liposuction at a hospital in Istanbul. She had reportedly signed up for the surgeries in return for promoting the facility on her social media.
What's On
11-07-2025
- What's On
Round the clock: Restaurants in Dubai that are open 24/7
Whether you're fueling a post-party hunger, powering through a night shift, or just in the mood for a 3am manoushe, Dubai's round-the-clock food scene has you covered. From sizzling shawarma and Turkish breakfasts to vegan sliders and Arabic grills, these 24/7 spots keep the kitchen hot all day (and night) long. Here are the go-to places where late-night eats meet all-day flavour Allo Beirut Whether it's a late-night manoushe craving or a 3am shawarma run, Allo Beirut's Hessa Street branch has you covered. This all-day Lebanese diner brings nostalgic Beirut street vibes to Dubai, serving everything from mezze and grills to fresh juices and Arabic sweets—round the clock. The menu is extensive, prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere hits that comforting, always-welcome feel no matter the hour. Location: Allo Beirut, Hessa Street, Al Barsha Contact: 800 86234788 @allobeirutgcc Operation: Falafel Operation: Falafel's mission is simple – to serve authentic Middle Eastern street food with a modern twist. Open 24/7, this JBR hotspot dishes out everything from crispy falafel and hummus bowls to sliders, chips, and even chicken options too. Whether you're post-beach, pre-party, or just hungry at 2am, Operation: Falafel delivers flavour, tradition, and convenience in one satisfying stop. Location: Operation Falafel, The Walk JBR Contact: 04 424 3098 @operationfalafel Huqqabaz Garden This vibrant Turkish eatery tucked inside Mall of the Emirates is more than just a shisha spot — it's a round-the-clock escape into Anatolian flavours. HuQQabaz Garden serves up everything from indulgent Turkish breakfasts to sizzling grills and mezze, all in a colourful garden-inspired setting. Whether you're starting your day with menemen and simit or winding down with shisha and mixed grills, it's a 24/7 dining destination that brings a taste of Turkey to the heart of Dubai. Location: Huqqabaz Garden, Mall of Emirates Contact: 800 47229 @huqqabazgarden While you're at it, why not squeeze in a midnight workout? Here's where to find 24/7 gyms in Dubai Images: Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
The Star
05-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
Ancient bread rises again
IN the early Bronze Age, a piece of bread was buried beneath the threshold of a newly built house in what is today central Turkiye. Now, over 5,000 years later, archaeologists have unearthed it, and helped a local bakery to recreate the recipe – with customers lining up to buy it. Round and flat like a pancake, 12cm in diameter, the bread was discovered during excavations at Kulluoba, a site near the central Anatolian city of Eskisehir. 'This is the oldest baked bread to have come to light during an excavation, and it has largely been able to preserve its shape,' said Murat Turkteki, archaeologist and director of the excavation. 'Bread is a rare find during an excavation. Usually, you only find crumbs. But here, it was preserved because it had been burnt and buried,' he said. The bread was charred and buried under the entrance of a dwelling built around 3,300BC. A piece had been torn off, before the bread was burnt, then buried when the house was built. 'It makes us think of a ritual of abundance,' Turkteki said. Unearthed in September 2024, the charred bread is now on display at the Eskisehir Archaeological Museum. 'We were very moved by this discovery. Talking to our excavation director, I wondered if we could reproduce this bread,' said the city's mayor, Ayse Unluce. Sari and Turkteki inspecting an ancient house at the Kulluoba excavation site in Eskisehir province. Analyses showed that the bread was made with coarsely ground emmer flour, an ancient variety of wheat, and lentil seeds, with the leaf of an as yet undetermined plant used as yeast. Ancient emmer seeds no longer exist in Turkiye. To get as close as possible to the original recipe, the municipality, after analysing the ancient bread, decided to use Kavilca wheat, a variety that is close to ancient emmer, as well as bulgur (whole grain made from cracked wheat that has been parboiled and dried) and lentils. At the Halk Ekmek bakery (meaning 'people's bread' in Turkish), promoted by the municipality to offer low-cost bread, employees have been shaping 300 loaves of Kulluoba by hand every day. 'The combination of ancestral wheat flour, lentils and bulgur results in a rich, satiating, low-gluten, preservative-free bread,' said Serap Guler, the bakery's manager. The first Kulluoba loaves, marketed as 300gm cakes that cost 50 Turkish lira (RM5.45), sold out within hours. 'I rushed because I was afraid there wouldn't be any left. I'm curious about the taste of this ancient bread,' said customer Suzan Kuru. In the absence of written traces, the civilisation of Kulluoba remains largely mysterious. In the Bronze Age, the Hattians, an Anatolian people who preceded the Hittites, lived in the Eskisehir region. 'Kulluoba was a medium-sized urban agglomeration engaged in commercial activities, crafts, agriculture and mining. There was clearly a certain family and social order,' said archaeologist Deniz Sari. Halk Ekmek employees mixing and cutting dough to make Kulluoba bread. — AFP The rediscovery of the bread has sparked interest in the cultivation of ancient wheats better adapted to drought. Once rich in water sources, Eskisehir is today suffering from drought. 'We're facing a climate crisis, but we're still growing corn and sunflowers, which require a lot of water,' said Unluce, the local mayor. 'Our ancestors are teaching us a lesson. Like them, we should be moving towards less thirsty crops.' The mayor wants to revive the cultivation of Kavilca wheat in the region, which is resistant to drought and disease. 'We need strong policies on this subject. Cultivating ancient wheat will be a symbolic step in this direction,' she said. 'These lands have preserved this bread for 5,000 years and given us this gift. We have a duty to protect this heritage and pass it on.' — AFP
