Archaeological excavations discovered the first brick living quarters in Cappadocia in Asikli Höyük (mound), an extension of Aksaray's Ihlara Valley settlements. Yellow and pink clay plaster was used in making the walls and floors of the houses, some of the most beautiful and cmoplicated architectural examples of firs towns.
They buried the dead in the Hocker position, like a fetus in the womb, on the floor of their houses. According to Prof.U.Esin, who reserarched at Asikli Höyük, a population greater that had been previousily theorized is revealed by the abundance and density of the settlements in these areas in the Aceramic Neolithic Period. No where else in Anatolia can the unique obsidian tools be found like those from Cappadocian Mound. Figurines, made from lightly baked clay, were unearthed together with flat stone axes wrought in many fine shapes, chisels and coulters made from bones and ornaments made from copper, agate and other different kinds of stones. Evidence provided by a skeleton found here indicates that the earliest brain surgery (trepanation) known in the world was performed on a woman 20-25 years ofage at Asikli Höyük.
Civelek cave is in the vicinity of Civelek village, which is situated 4 km west of Gülsehir, in the province of Nevsehir. The cave is found in the hill known as Gurlek Hill.
Access can be gained by means of a gallery which extends downwards for 14 m to the limestone cave. There are many calcite crystal stalagtites, beteen 5 and 15 cm in length, hanging from the sections of the cave ceiling, the main part of which is 22 by 11 m. During excavatinos carried out by Nevsehir Museum and cave experts from Italy, hand made cups, cooking pots of various sizes, spindles and tools made from stone and bone dating from the Chalcolithic Period (5500-3000 BC) were unearthed from the floor of the cave and especially among the collapsed rocks. In addition to this, surface excavations in the surrounding caves unearthed tools made from absidian and flint. In an attempt to preserve it. Civelek cave is closed to visitors.
During excavations at Kösk Höyük, in the vicinity of Nigde, tools and weapons made from obsidian, silica, stone and bone have been found. The most important artifact to be found at this site is the mother goddess statuettes belonging to the Neiolithic and Chalcolithic ages. In that age in Anatolia, the Mother Goddess statue, representing abudance and fertility, was both important and widespread.
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Evidence of Prehistoric cultures in Cappadocia can most easily be found around Köskhöyük/Nigde, Asiklihöyük/Aksaray and in the Civelek cave near Nevsehir. Excavations in these three areas are still taking place.