© Anadolu AgencyThe Vase of İnandık.
The Kültepe tablets reveal that women were active participants in economic activities. They engaged in trade, owned property, and managed businesses. This level of involvement indicates that women were not merely passive figures in society but rather influential agents who contributed to the economic stability of their families and communities. The presence of women in commercial transactions highlights their agency and the respect they commanded in the marketplace.
The head of the Kültepe Excavation, Professor Dr. Fikri Kulakoğlu stated: "Kültepe provides us with one of the largest private archives for the ancient world. Among the documents dating back 4,000 years, we primarily find commercial records. Every event and activity related to trade has been documented here. We can say that everything of value has been recorded. Within this collection, which includes commercial documents, there are also special tablets. These records reflect the daily lives of people at that time and document financial transactions during conflicts of interest.'
© WikipediaKültepe-Kanes, Bronze Age site in central Turkey, upper town, southwest corner of the palace on the citadel.
One of the most significant aspects of women's rights reflected in the Kültepe tablets is their entitlement to inheritance. The tablets contain references to women inheriting property, which was a crucial aspect of their legal status. The woman inherits 50% of the property as an heir, highlighting her significant legal rights and status within the family and society.
Professor Dr. Fikri Kulakoğlu, stated that the concepts of "wills" and "inheritance" existed 4,000 years ago, with individuals leaving written documents to secure the future of their spouses and children after their death. "We are talking about a time that is very early, 4,000 years ago. In fact, the legal regulations regarding wills and inheritance are relatively new in the modern world. Therefore, people in that era wanted to secure the future of the generations that would come after them and ensure the well-being of their spouses. One of the most important aspects is the equality of women with men; the fact that women inherit 50% of the property is likely something that is not found in other cultures. One of the unique features of the Kültepe tablets is the prominent role that women play in civil life," he emphasized.
This right to inherit not only provided women with economic security but also allowed them to maintain a degree of independence within a patriarchal society. The ability to inherit property signifies a recognition of women's contributions to family and society, challenging the notion that women were solely dependent on male relatives.
© WikipediaAround 20,000 clay tablets were found at the site of Kültepe.
The Kültepe tablets also shed light on the institution of marriage and family dynamics. Women had the right to negotiate their marriage contracts, which often included stipulations regarding their rights to property and inheritance. This indicates that women were not merely passive participants in marriage but had a voice in determining their futures. The existence of such contracts suggests a level of mutual respect and negotiation between spouses, which is essential for understanding the social fabric of Kültepe society.
Marriage was an institution, much like today, but mutual interests were also documented. Marriage contracts are frequently encountered documents in Kültepe. Additionally, we find specific clauses that outline the rules of marriage. The marriage contract includes penal clauses in the event of a potential divorce. For example, a man has recorded that he would pay a compensation if he divorced his wife before marriage. People also planned for the future of their spouses and children. In the event of a father's death, he documented how much he would give to his wife and children. Just as in modern times, people established rules for the distribution of their assets upon their death. For instance, the wife has the right to inherit 50% of all the property left by her husband. This was established as a fundamental rule. Upon his death, 50% of his assets and property go to the wife, while the remaining portion is distributed equally among the children according to the rules set by the guardian. This is not a rare occurrence; there are numerous tablets related to wills. Some of these documents are found in envelopes. These wills are not limited to those written by a single individual; there are also those signed in the presence of witnesses, which can be considered almost as official documents."
In conclusion, the Kültepe tablets serve as a testament to the significant role women played in the social, economic, and legal spheres of early Anatolian civilization. Their rights to inheritance, participation in economic activities, and involvement in marriage negotiations reflect a society that recognized and valued women's contributions. By examining these ancient texts, we gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of women's rights and the evolution of gender roles, which continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about equality and justice.
The Kültepe tablets remind us that the fight for women's rights has deep historical roots, and the lessons learned from the past can inform our ongoing efforts toward achieving gender equality today.
Reader Comments
When the male children come of age, the Silverback either kills them or drives them Out. They form a Bachelor Band and forage together, sometimes meeting and inevitably battling against bands exiled from some other Silverback's Family. Occasionally one of them fights with their own Silverback - and dies. Eventually one of them defeats his Silverback and takes his place.
This, the Watchers have Seen.
All they do is laze around eat vast amounts of vegetation, fight for domination, and will destroy the offspring of rivals.
One wonders who are the Watchers you refer to.
This only changed with "culture" and a sedetary life style, since you can't get 90+% of the males to cooperate without any future perspective.
This is what the institution of marriage is about - one of the most critical aspects of societal cohesion. The rest is mostly religious or romantic dressing up ...
SOTT Focus:Why Darwinism Is Wrong, Dead Wrong - Part 1: Intelligent Design and Information
Despite its name, Darwin's theory of evolution - and its post-genetics variation, neo-Darwinism - is almost universally accepted as hard fact. It's 'scientifically proven' we're told, which in...Sidenote crows are pretty intelligent birds
But that does not preclude similiarities in behavior and group dynamics.
Once they stopped taking on the responsibilities, their civilisation disappeared from history. Which so far, they all have.
So much for female empowerment.
throughout my adult lifetime, which means 46 years of marriage (having children and farming the whole time with various species of livestock), i've done the most dangerous tasks which often require thinking and reacting quickly and require the greatest physical strength. my wife has done the more tedious or persistent tasks that require longer stretches of a kind of physical and mental stamina...
that isn't to say that there isn't crossover.
because there is.
and it is not necessarily 'civilized'.
it is natural.
DUH.
ned,
out
I cant find 10 minutes worth now in Clown World. And that circus seems to have potential to overstay its welcome.
hmmm maybe this cycle plays out over and over. Ie I smell woke shit eventually kills.
Probably had trans rights and pride parades too in the end times.