The World’s Oldest Known House Model, Dating Back 12,000 Years, Is on Display in Türkiye

A 12,000-year-old architectural model—believed to be the oldest house model ever discovered—has been unearthed at Çayönü Hill in Diyarbakır, Türkiye, and is now on public display at the Diyarbakır Museum.

The Çayönü archaeological site, located in the Ergani district of southeastern Türkiye, continues to offer groundbreaking insights into the origins of settled life. Among the most remarkable finds from this Neolithic site is a miniature house model, considered the oldest known example of architectural representation in human history.

A Glimpse into Humanity’s First Homes

Excavations at Çayönü began in 1964 and have revealed evidence of one of the world’s earliest permanent settlements. Current excavations, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Savaş Sarıaltun of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, have brought this extraordinary house model to light.

Archaeological evidence shows that the inhabitants of Çayönü lived in organized communities, with houses arranged in rows, leaving narrow paths—early versions of streets—between them.

Dr. Sarıaltun explains:

“These people built their homes in a respectful and structured way. No house blocks another. There’s a clear spatial logic, indicating early urban planning concepts.”

The First House Model in History

Seventeen miniature models have been found at Çayönü so far. The most intact and detailed example is now featured at the Diyarbakır Museum, providing rare insights into the architectural mindset of Neolithic communities.

These models are not merely symbolic or decorative. Scholars believe they were used for planning real-life structures, showcasing a level of foresight and design thinking previously unknown in this era.

“This is not just a toy,” says Sarıaltun. “This is humanity’s first known attempt at architectural modeling—an extraordinary achievement for its time.”

A Global Heritage Site

Çayönü is recognized not only as a significant site for Türkiye but also for the broader Near East and Levant regions. Its role in documenting the transition from nomadic to settled life makes it a key site in world cultural heritage.

Now, with the world’s oldest house model on display, the Diyarbakır Museum offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for visitors to experience the beginnings of architecture and community living—a crucial chapter in our shared human history.