Abstract:

Copper, first metal discovered by mankind after gold, ensured the transition of human being from Stone Age to Bronze Age. Up to date, it is observed that copper is the world's most useful metal. Historic development of mankind is mainly affected by discovery and usage of metals and especially copper. Based on the initial findings of the various sources and documentations first evidence of copper usage have been observed in Anatolia (Çatalhöyük, Konya) 8000-7000 B.C. Initially in Anatolia, copper was used in pure form as found in nature, then by hammer-hardening (shape by hammer) it was used in production of jewelery and objects of daily life. The first metallurgical process known in history occurred simultaneously in Anatolia and Egypt and dated back 4000 B.C. it was obtaining of copper metal from malachite (a copper mineral) by smelting which is probably taken placed as a result of a coincidence in a potter's oven. Shortly, Anatolia stands out as the first region where copper discovered, committed and used in the world. This study will be discussed briefly the historic developments of copper mining activities and use in Anatolia

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