Le Paléolithique supérieur de la Turquie. Essai de synthèse

The paper presents the current state of Upper Paleolithic research in Turkey. The data related to this period in Turkey has been obtained both from Karain B (Antalya) and Üçağızlı (Hatay) caves in the Mediterranean region and along the Black Sea coast of the Marmara region. The Upper Paleolithic of Karain B, characterized by carinated endscrapers and Dufour bladelets, appears to be similar to the European Aurignacian. They also have elements in common with some industries of the Caucasus, Taurus and Zagros areas. On the other hand, the two phases of the Upper Paleolithic at Üçağızlı Cave suggest a strong relationship with the Levant. The lithic material obtained during surveys along the Black Sea coast of the Marmara region, also resembles the Bachokirian of the Balkans. Although limited to the Black Sea, Hatay and Antalya regions, our knowledge of the Upper Paleolithic of Turkey, for which the most recent levels have been dated to approximately 28,000 BP, is progressively increasing. However, to better understand the Upper Paleolithic of Turkey, it is indispensable to add to existing knowledge through new research.