Two Neolithic Ritual Centers in East Mysia (NW Turkey): The Baltaliin and Inkaya Caves

The social and belief systems in Western Anatolia during the Neolithic and Chalcolitic periods constitute an important question in Anatolian archaeology. Examination of the wall paintings in the Baltaliin and inkaya caves near the village of Delice in the district of Dursunbey in Balikesir province may provide some important answers. There appears to be a conscious effort behind the planning of these caves for use as cult centers in regards to hunting and religious rituals. These pictures reflect the beliefs and rituals of the Neolithic Age and includes themes such as life, death, and hunting.