Belbaşı

Belbaşı is a term of Turkish origin with two primary meanings, both geographically and historically significant.

1. Geography: Belbaşı can refer to a specific location or settlement, often a village or neighborhood. The name implies a location at "the head of the pass" or "the beginning of the mountain pass" (from bel meaning "pass" or "mountain pass" and başı meaning "head" or "beginning"). As a place name, there are likely multiple locations named Belbaşı throughout Turkey, especially in mountainous regions. Without further context, it is impossible to pinpoint a specific Belbaşı.

2. Archaeology/Paleoanthropology: Belbaşı is also known as an important Paleolithic archaeological site located near Antalya, Turkey. Discovered in 1959, the Belbaşı shelter contains rock engravings dating back to the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods (approximately 15,000 - 10,000 years ago). These engravings depict human figures, animals (including deer and goats), and abstract symbols. The Belbaşı rock shelter provides valuable insights into the art, symbolism, and lifestyle of early humans in the region. The site is considered a significant find for understanding the cultural development of the early inhabitants of Anatolia.