NÖROforum events, organized by Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center of Excellence, hosted a very special conference shedding light on the evolutionary origins of the human mind. The event, titled "The Cognitive Transformation of Prehistoric Humans," hosted Prof. Dr. Necmi Karul.

The NÖROforum gathering, held at the NÖROM Building and chaired by Prof. Dr. Hayrunnisa Bolay Belen, opened deep horizons at the intersection of archaeology and cognitive sciences. Participating as the speaker, Prof. Dr. Necmi Karul, Istanbul University Faculty Member, Taş Tepeler Project Coordinator, and Head of the Göbeklitepe - Karahantepe Excavations, discussed in detail the mental evolution of Neolithic humans, marking one of the greatest leaps in human history.

What Triggered the Neolithic Cognitive Transformation?

In the widely attended presentation, Prof. Dr. Karul presented a comprehensive vision centered around the question: "What were the fundamental dynamics driving the cognitive shift and Neolithic mind transformation in Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe?" It was highlighted that the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a sedentary order and monumental architecture approximately 12,000 years ago was not merely a sociological shift, but also a tremendous neurocognitive leap.

By examining the symbolic world and complex social organizations in Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe, the conference concretized the links between the past and the capacity of the modern human mind. This timeless journey, starting from the ancient roots of human intelligence and problem-solving abilities, once again revealed the role of prehistoric human cognitive capacity in abstract thinking and the ability to transform nature.

The event, held as part of NÖROforum, received great appreciation from participants seeking to understand the historical adventure of the human mind through a multidisciplinary approach.