Yusuf ALBAYRAK

Süheyla İrem MUTLU

Semih MUTLU

Bahattin ÇELİK

Rock-cut shaft graves tradition which is dated to Early Bronze Age was found in Northern Syria, in the Middle Euphrates Valley, Tishrin Dam has been discovered also in several settlements in Anatolia up to now. In the archaeological excavation in the Soğmatar Necropolis up to the present date, fifthy rock-cut shaft graves which are dated to Early Bronze Age, were uncovered. Five of these types of graves are much more important in terms of having an altar, terrace, niche and carved into the rock elaborately. As a matter of fact, it’s considered that the graves do not show local culture characteristics, they show cultural reflections of the commercial spread towards the Middle Euphrates Region in the Early Dynasties III / Akkadian Period, which do not show local culture. It is thought that this type of carefully carved rock-cut shaft graves belongs to an elite group showing trade and cultural relations with Southern Mesopotamia. Although this type of tombs are seen throughout the Early Bronze Age in the Eastern Mediterranean, it is known that during the last century of the third millennium BC it became widespread during the Early Bronze Age. Likewise, the Syrian Euphrates region in the same period was revealed a large number. In addition, the fact that rock grave tombs, as in Soğmatar, were mostly found in the regions with rocky areas, which are not suitable for agriculture, livelihood based on livestock, suggest that the people using these graves have a more nomadic identity. It is understood that more information can be reached through researches on this subject.

Key Words: Soğmatar, Necropol, Rock-cut, shaft grave, Altar, Early Bronze Age