Özet:

Anatolia plays an important role as a bridge between Africa, Europe and Asia for the evolutionary course of vertebrates. It is potentially rich in fossil bearing deposits which would greatly serve to contribute the understanding of vertebrate evolution. However, paleontological research conducted in Turkey is mainly focused on Paleogene and Miocene deposits. Although it is obvious that any studies of mammalian paleontology dealing with any interval of Cenozoic in Anatolia is worthful because of its potential, one must point out that Quaternary mammalian fauna is still not well known when compared to European equivalent. In this manner, it is not difficult to estimate how micromammalian paleontology is less dealt. During the 70th Geological Congress of Turkey, a special session was dedicated to diverse trends of Quaternary research where many topics are discussed within the scope of a veritable “state of the art” and perspective, including micromammal paleontology. The present study deals with some general definitions and fields of application of micromammals (mostly rodents) besides a short history of vertebrate paleontology in Turkey as well as brief summaries of all conducted or ongoing studies on the Quaternary micromammalian fauna in Anatolia. The latter is also displayed on a location map providing localities and relevant references. The main motivation of this study is to underline the potential contribution of micromammal paleontology to Quaternary research in Turkey and to provide a perspective, despite of encountered problems.

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