Examining 4600 years of human-environment interaction:climate and vegetation history around lake burdur(Southwestern Türkiye) through palynological analysis

Abstract

Burdur, located at the intersection of the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Central Anatolia, boasts a rich history of continuous human habitation spanning millennia. Despite extensive scholarly focus on the region's historical and archaeological development through various methods, a significant research gap persists regarding ancient climate, vegetation, and the intricate relationships between humans and the environment. To address this comprehensively, sediment core BRDR-2, retrieved from Lake Burdur and dating back approximately 4,600 years BP (around 2650 BC), underwent palynological analysis. This analysis integrates multiple approaches, including the examination of various proxy records around the study region and the incorporation of paleoclimatic data from sources like CHELSA and Paleoview, as well as historical accounts. By merging diverse scientific approaches, this research aims to illuminate the complex interactions that have shaped the historical landscape of the Burdur Basin and offer insights into its enduring significance. According to the pollen analysis, the basin is dominated by Quercus ilex-coccifera type (evergreen Quercus), Olea (olive), Juglans (walnut), and pine trees (Pinus brutia and Pinus nigra). Additionally, among coniferous trees, Cedrus libani (cedar) stands out, indicating the long-distance transportation of this species from the Taurus mountain ranges. The fossil pollen analysis shows that alongside salient climatic changes during the Early Bronze Age, settlement expansion and population growth had a noticeable impact on vegetation, resulting from a significant increase in agricultural activities. This analysis also indicates the signals of the Beyşehir Occupation Phase (BOP), marked by increased agricultural activities and a significant trend toward extensive deforestation, a pattern commonly observed in pollen sites across the Eastern Mediterranean. Notably, this phase occurred in Burdur within a distinct timeframe, beginning during Roman expansion and persisting until the Early Modern Ottoman Period, compared to other sites in the region. While other regions experienced similar anthropogenic influences, Burdur's unique timeline of these events highlights a distinct pattern. During the Roman period, significant agricultural intensification and deforestation were evident, continuing into the Early Modern Ottoman period. This contrasts with other areas where such activities might have started later or ended earlier. Considering the amplification of this anthropogenic activity alongside corroborating proxy data and paleoclimate models in the area, it can be suggested that the climatic influence on this trend might be relatively indirect, while humans may have had a more significant impact on the landscape. The distinct pattern observed in Burdur underscores the region's unique response to broader climatic and human-induced changes, offering a valuable case study for understanding human-environment interactions over millennia.