Southeast Anatolia Research Articles

The Iron Age I–II Transition in the Northern Levant: An Emerging Consensus?

The development of a refined, and widely accepted, chronological and cultural sequence has eluded the study of the Iron Age Northern Levant, despite more than a century of archaeological exploration and research. The renewed investigations at Tell Tayinat (ancient Kunulua), capital of the Neo-Hittite Kingdom of Palastin/Walastin and scene of large-scale excavations by the Syrian-Hittite Expedition in the 1930s, have resulted in a tightly constructed stratigraphic and chronological cultural sequence, or “local history,” for this period. This refined “Amuq Sequence” indicates a number of culturally and historically significant transitions, including the transition from the Iron Age I to the Iron Age II, ca. 900 BCE, and it offers the prospect of forging a consensus regarding the cultural and chronological periodization of the broader Iron Age Northern Levant and Southeast Anatolia.

Assessing of evapotranspiration models using limited climatic data in Southeast Anatolian Project Region of Turkey.

Evapotranspiration carries vital importance in areas with arid and semi-arid climate properties for many issues, including the planning of irrigation water as a scarce resource, the establishment of irrigation programs and conducting project design for drainage. The empirical equations used for determining plant water consumption are classified subject to the diversity of the utilized data. The Penman–Monteith method used frequently in many parts of the world as a standard method needs more climate data. Models that yield results that are similar to those of the standard method with less climate parameters are preferred due to their ease of use and wide impact. Temperature, relative humidity and radiation data for the years 2008–2017 were utilized to analyze the usability of the Hargreaves–Samani and Turc-1961 equations with regard to the estimation of reference evapotranspiration in four provinces located in Southeastern Anatolia Region. Results obtained via models were compared in pairs by way of the standard method in order to define the performance of the models. While the best performances were obtained from the comparison with the standard method and Hargreaves–Samani value pair, the comparison of the standard model with Turc displayed the lowest performance. Based on the study data, ETo-Turc values were higher in the provinces analyzed, thus displaying a lower performance. While maximum long term annual monthly average ETo-HS value was identified as 7.6 mm at Diyarbakır in July, whereas the lowest value was determined at Kilis with 5.8 mm; the highest and lowest ETo-Turc values were obtained in the same month at Diyarbakır and Kilis with 13.3 and 10.3 mm respectively. It was calculated based on the long term average annual total ETo values that while highest ETo-HS was calculated at Diyarbakır with 1,500 mm, whereas the lowest value was calculated at Batman with 1,183 mm. The highest value for ETo-Turc was obtained at Diyarbakır with 2,365 mm while Mardin had the lowest ETo value with 1,920 mm. Accordingly, based on the ETo values calculated at both cities studies based on both models, Diyarbakır had the highest values, whereas Kilis had the lowest ETo values. According to the standard method known as PM, lowest daily ETo values were calculated in all provinces, which displayed the highest performance among the models. As a result of this study, it is possible to use the Hargreaves-Samani model instead of the standard model in the absence of reliable climatic data.

Molecular Phylogenetic Analyses of Vicia L. (Fabaceae) Taxa Growing in the Southeastern Anatolia Region Based on Chloroplast TrnL Sequences

In the current study, some natural Vicia L. taxa growing naturally in the Southeast Anatolia Region were investigated from the point of view of molecular phylogenetic. For this purpose, transfer ribonucleic acid Leucine (trnL) was sequenced in order to study the phylogenetic relationships of the Vicia L. species. Lathyrus inconspicuous L. var. inconspicuous and Lathyrus cassius Boiss. were used as an outgroup. The length of the trnL area was determined approximately as 269-534 bp. The trnL sequences were submitted to the NCBI database and accession numbers received. We obtained information about the point mutations, as well as the protected and the changing characters. The taxa distinguished in the section level were separated and also grouped in terms of proximity on the phylogenetic tree (sect. Narbonensis, sect. Lathyroides, sect. Peregrinae, sect. Vicia, sect. Lentopsis). While, sect. Hypechusa, sect. Ervilia and sect. Cracca were not detailed to a great level of informativity. The data acquired were observed to be greatly reliable in terms of their ability to be used in solving taxonomical problems of the Vicia L. taxa.

A meta-analysis study on colistin resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii species in Turkey

Aim: Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomial infectious agent that may be resistant to several antimicrobial drugs, including colistin. Colistin is a crucial antimicrobial agent in resistant A. baumannii infections. Colistin resistance varies between countries and regions worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the studies on colistin resistance of A. baumannii strains in different regions of Turkey, show the increasing colistin resistance in years, and discuss the solution suggestions. Methods: The online electronic database was searched for studies evaluating the antibacterial efficacy of colistin combined with other antibiotics or alone in clinical samples of patients with A. baumannii infection. Results: In our study, colistin susceptibility was found to be between 81.8%-100% in Turkey. The lowest susceptibility to colistin for A. baumannii strains was reported in the Aegean Region (81.8-100%), followed by Black Sea (82.4-100%), Southeast Anatolia (94-96%), Central Anatolia (95.8-100), Marmara (96.8-100%), Mediterranean (98-100%), respectively, and the highest susceptibility was found in Eastern Anatolia Region (98.6-100%). According to the studies, a partial decrease in colistin sensitivity was found in some regions over the years and more decrease in others, but this decrease was not statistically significant (p> 0.05). The cities with the lowest colistin susceptibility were reported as İzmir 81.8%, Samsun 82.4%, Diyarbakır 94%, Düzce 94.1% and Ankara 95.8%. Conclusion: Colistin is still the most effective antimicrobial drug in A. baumannii infections. Our study concluded that there were some differences between regions and even within the same region in colistin susceptibility of A. baumannii in Turkey, and resistance development has increased over the years.

21st Century Skills for Sustainable Education: Prediction Level of Teachers’ Information Literacy Skills on Their Digital Literacy Skills

Abstract The current digital environment offers a unique access opportunity to information, tools, and sources for teachers to educate and teach using digital. It is vital for teachers, who have important roles to raise future generations, to have information literacy and digital literacy skills. It is essential that teachers who educate individuals raised with a technology called the Z generation to have both, information literacy and digital literacy skills. Within this context, the present study aims to define the relationship between information literacy skills and digital literacy skills of teachers in the age of digitalization, in which the transformation has been experienced in the education sector. A cross-sectional survey was used within this study, which was prepared according to the quantitative research paradigm. The research includes random and disproportionate cluster sampling methods and focuses on teachers who worked in a preschool, or in primary, secondary and high schools in the Eastern and Southeast Anatolia Regions in the 2018–2019 academic year. Structural equation modeling was used to determine to what extent teachers’ information literacy skills predict their digital literacy skills. The relationship between the teachers’ information literacy and digital literacy skills was calculated using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, and the frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation values of the data collected from teachers through scales were calculated. As a result of the analysis, one of the results is that the teachers’ information literacy skills affect their digital literacy skills positively.

Gamma ray characterization of the albedo of atmospheric dust from Southeast Anatolia, Turkey

Atmospheric dust samples were collected using PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 µm) and PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 µm) filters in 2019 from Southeast Anatolia, Turkey. The direction and source of the dust were determined using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite view and Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model. X-ray diffraction (XRD) has shown the presence of calcite and quartz as major components of the aerosol dust. The albedo parameters of atmospheric dust were experimentally determined for 59.54 keV photons emitted from an Am-241 source. Compton and coherent scattered peaks were acquired with a high purity germanium detector. The sample collected in May has a higher density than in June. The sample density at PM10 is larger than PM2.5 and the density of 23 June 2019 is smaller than for the other dates. The albedo parameters of the filter in June and May for PM10 are greater than those of PM2.5. The dust of larger particles is more reflected by the high-energy photons.

Determination of in Vitro Antioxidant Enzyme Capacity and Oxidative Stress Levels in Mazı Meşesi (Quercus infectoria)

South East Anatolia Region has a large genetic plant diversity due to its physical and different climatic charesteristics. These plants are potential sources of antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress caused by oxygen and photons. In recent years, it has become important to study the antioxidant capacity of many molecules found naturally in foods and biological systems. The reason for this is that it is believed that when the consumption of food rich in antioxidants is increased, the risk of developing different degenerative diseases will be reduced. In this study, it was aimed to measure the antoxidant capacity of Quercus infectoria, G.olivier gal seeds grown in Southeastern Anatolia. Q. infectoria gal seeds from Sanlıurfa province were used in our study. Q. infectoria gal seeds were extracted with water, ethanol and methanol and then antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and malondialdehyde levels, which are indicators of oxidative stress were determined by spectrophotometric methods. It was found that the antioxidant capacity (catalase and superoxide dismutase activities) of extracts obtained from ethanol and methanol were higher and their malondialdehyde levels were statistically lower than those obtained from water. However, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels of the extracts obtained from methanol compared to the extracts obtained from ethanol. It has been concluded that Q. infectoria gal seed has a effective antioxidant effect. In addition, it was observed that extracts obtained from ethanol and methanol have higher antioxidant capacity than extracts obtained from water.

Cicer turcicum: A New Cicer Species and Its Potential to Improve Chickpea.

Genetic resources of the genus Cicer L. are not only limited when compared to other important food legumes and major cereal crops but also, they include several endemic species with endangered status based on the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The chief threats to endemic and endangered Cicer species are over-grazing and habitat change in their natural environments driven by climate changes. During a collection mission in east and south-east Anatolia (Turkey), a new Cicer species was discovered, proposed here as C. turcicum Toker, Berger & Gokturk. Here, we describe the morphological characteristics, images, and ecology of the species, and present preliminary evidence of its potential utility for chickpea improvement. C. turcicum is an annual species, endemic to southeast Anatolia and to date has only been located in a single population distant from any other known annual Cicer species. It belongs to section Cicer M. Pop. of the subgenus Pseudononis M. Pop. of the genus Cicer L. (Fabaceae) and on the basis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence similarity appears to be a sister species of C. reticulatum Ladiz. and C. echinospermum P.H. Davis, both of which are inter-fertile with domestic chickpea (C. arietinum L.). With the addition of C. turcicum, the genus Cicer now comprises 10 annual and 36 perennial species. As a preliminary evaluation of its potential for chickpea improvement two accessions of C. turcicum were field screened for reproductive heat tolerance and seeds were tested for bruchid resistance alongside a representative group of wild and domestic annual Cicer species. C. turcicum expressed the highest heat tolerance and similar bruchid resistance as C. judaicum Boiss. and C. pinnatifidum Juab. & Spach, neither of which are in the primary genepool of domestic chickpea. Given that C. arietinum and C. reticulatum returned the lowest and the second lowest tolerance and resistance scores, C. turcicum may hold much potential for chickpea improvement if its close relatedness supports interspecific hybridization with the cultigen. Crossing experiments are currently underway to explore this question.

Municipal Solid Waste in Turkey and Its Relationship with the Population

The population of Turkey has increased rapidly in parallel with the rise in technology and industrialization. The increasing population of the country has triggered urbanization, and environmental problems have drawn attention. One of the issues resulting from urbanization is municipal solid waste (MSW). Every object we use in our daily life is transformed into solid waste when its economic life has ended. The processes from the storage of these wastes to their disposal, often referred to as MSW management, come under the municipalities' authority and responsibility. MSW must be processed with the most negligible environmental impact. This study aimed to investigate MSW management systems in Turkey, including the quantity, composition, and disposal methods of MSW generated and populations served by MSW, MSW per capita per day. Results from the study showed that the mean MSW generated in Turkey was 26.74 Mton/yr and increased in the following order by region; Eastern Anatolia < South East Anatolia < Black Sea < Mediterranean < Aegean < Central Anatolia < Marmara. This order/ranking was in line with the regions' population. The population explained 84 to 95% of the variation in MSW. Results from the study could be used in MSW management.

The temporal analysis of light pollution in Turkey using VIIRS data

Artificial Light pollution (AL) in Turkey and in Turkish observatories between 2012--2020 have been studied using the archival data of Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument. The astroGIS database has been used in processing the data (https://www.astrogis.org) \cite{2020MNRAS.493.1204A}. The total energy released to space from Turkey increased by 80\% in 2019 with respect to 2012. In the span of the dataset, a steady and continuous increase has been observed throughout all cities of the country. On the other hand, Dark Sky Park locations, East and Southeast Anatolian regions and mostly rural areas around the cities kept their AL level constant. Four demographic parameters have been studied and they were found to be correlated very well with AL: Population ($R \simeq 0.90$); GDP ($R \simeq 0.87$); Total Power Consumption ($R \simeq 0.66$) and Outdoor Lightening ($R \simeq 0.67$). Contrary to countries acting to prevent AL increases, Turkey seems to be at the beginning of an era where AL will arithmetically increase throughout the country and enormous amount of energy will continuously escape to space and therefore will be wasted. Therefore, a preventive legislation, especially for invaluable astronomical site locations such as TURAG, TUG, DAG and \c{C}AAM where each is counted as a truly dark site due to their SQM values, has to be enacted in Turkey, in very near future.

Strontium isotopes and planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of Eocene carbonate rocks from the Adıyaman–Malatya vicinity (southeast Turkey) and chronostratigraphic implications

Cenozoic sediments are spread across southeast and eastern Anatolia, including the Adıyaman–Malatya regions of southeast Turkey. This study presents the first detailed petrographic, micropaleontologic, and strontium isotope analyses of the Eocene marl, clayey limestone, and limestone units that outcrop unconformably above the Mesozoic Meydan and İspendere ophiolitic rocks in the Adıyaman and Malatya regions, respectively. These carbonate rocks contain abundant planktonic foraminifera, including Turborotalia frontosa, Subbotina senni, Subbotina eocaena, Acarinina bullbrooki, Guembelitrioides nuttalli, Globigerinatheka subconglobata, and G. curryi, and benthic taxa (Nummulites, Discocyclina, and Chapmanina).Two planktonic foraminiferal zones were defined: the Turborotalia frontosa zone representing the Early–Middle Eocene (Ypresian–Lutetian/Bartonian), and the Turborotalia possagnoensis zone representing the Middle Eocene (Lutetian–Bartonian). Strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) calculated for four samples ranged between 0.707663 and 0.707784, indicating an age of 45.1–51.9 million years (Ypresian–Lutetian/Bartonian). The presence of echinoid thorns in the units indicates a shallow marine environment where carbonates developed on the seaward side of a reef. For the first time in the study region and southeast Anatolia, this study has revealed the stratigraphic position of the Nummulitic limestone of the Kırkgeçit Formation unconformably overlying the ophiolites. Therefore, based on strontium isotope analyses and planktonic foraminiferal micropaleontology, the Kırkgeçit Formation is estimated as Early–Middle Eocene (Ypresian–Lutetian/Bartonian) in age.

Ethnomedicinal Plants of Hasankeyf (Batman-Turkey)

Hasankeyf is an ancient city, dating back to more than 10,000 years, in the Southeast Anatolia Region of Turkey. The area is separated by the Tigris River on both sides and located in the Batman province. However, as a result of a dam project, in February 2020, this ancient city and some of its surrounding villages were totally flooded. The residents were moved to new settlements. This study aimed to prevent the possible loss of ethnomedicinal knowledge of plants due to migration as well as to pass on this knowledge to the future generations. The field studies were conducted between March 2017 and November 2019 in the city center and 22 rural settlements of Hasankeyf. Also, the areas where intensive migration was experienced were visited frequently. Interviews were conducted with a total of 131 participants (76 women and 55 men) while gathering plants with them. Information was collected through interviews and questionnaires. The results were analyzed by quantitative indices of information consensus factor (FIC) and use value (UV). A total of 94 plant taxa belonging to 40 families were identified in the study area. The most common medicinal plant families are Lamiaceae (13), Asteraceae (8), Rosaceae (6), Malvaceae (6), Amaryllidaceae (5), Brassicaceae (4), and Solanaceae (4). The most common preparations were infusion, fresh application, and crushing. The taxa having the highest count of use value (UV) were Teucrium polium, Matricaria aurea, Urtica dioica, Mentha longifolia, and Quercus brantii. Besides, the recorded ailments were grouped into categories based on information provided by the interviewees. The most important use categories among the informants were diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, and dermatological disorders. The present study represents the first medical-ethnobotanical documentation and analysis of the traditional use of medicinal plants in Hasankeyf.

Anastomosis Groups and Pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani Kühn Isolates Obtained from Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Saplings in Siirt Province, Turkey

Pathogenicity and anastomosis groups of seven Rhizoctonia-like isolates obtained from infected pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) seedlings were determined, in the central district of Siirt province at Southeast Anatolia Region in Turkey. Browning on the crown root of the collected saplings and drying of plants were observed. In the pathogenicity test, the most virulent isolate was Rs2 with a disease severity of 93.75%. The anastomosis group of this isolate, which caused the saplings to dry completely was determined as Rhizoctonia solani AG-4. The moderately virulent Rs3 and Rs1 isolates were determined as the binucleate AG-F group. These two isolates caused yellowing of the seedling leaves and browning of the roots, however, the plants did not die and preserved their vitality to a certain extent. The R9 and R14 isolates identified as anastomosis group AG-F did not cause any symptoms on inoculated plants and on the negative control. The Rs7 and Rs10 isolates were identified as the anastomosis group AG-4 and were determined to be pathogenic in saplings. The results of this study are the first record for the virulence and anastomosis groups of Rhizoctonia species that cause root and crown root diseases in Siirt pistachio.

The Adıyaman Group carbonate succession on the northern Arabian Plate (southeastern Turkey): A review of lithostratigraphy, foraminiferal biostratigraphy, depositional environments and sequence stratigraphic evolution

Abstract This study presents a new stratigraphic framework for the Adiyaman Group succession developed on the northern margin of the Arabian Platform. This Upper Cretaceous carbonate sequence, distributed widely in outcrop and subsurface rocks in the southeast Anatolia region, is investigated in terms of lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, microfacies analysis and sequence stratigraphy. The sequence is divided into six lithostratigraphic units, which in ascending order are the Karabogaz, Saytepe, Saydere, Sayindere, Beloka and Sanli formations. Based on examination of benthic and planktonic foraminifera, the Adiyaman Group ranges in age from late Santonian to early late Campanian. The Saytepe, Beloka and Sanli formations are characterized by benthic foraminifers, while the Karabogaz, Saydere and Sayindere formations are defined by planktonic foraminifers. Following a detailed microfacies analysis, the Adiyaman Group carbonates are interpreted to have been deposited in settings that range from deep shelf to lagoonal depositional environments. Sequence stratigraphic studies identified three successive third-order depositional sequences that are separated by sequence stratigraphic surfaces. Sequence boundaries are correlated to global cycle boundaries. The abundance and diversity of foraminifera are interpreted as a function of relative sea-level changes. This study provides revisions in stratigraphic nomenclature that rely on precise biostratigraphic data.

Prevalence and genetic variability of grapevine virus A in Turkish autochthonous grapevine varieties.

This work describes the first molecular characterization of grapevine virus A (GVA) in Turkish grapevine varieties based on the coat protein gene. RT-PCR detection revealed a high infection rate of GVA in two major viticultural areas, Eastern Mediterranean (EM) and Southeast Anatolia (SEA). The number of infected varieties was higher in SEA, where very ancient and traditional cultivars are in use and no foreign grapevine material has been introduced. High nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarity were seen between the Turkish GVA isolates and the reference isolates in group I and II. The viral isolates from the same location and cultivars were not phylogenetically related.

Pathways to plant domestication in Southeast Anatolia based on new data from aceramic Neolithic Gusir H\xf6y\xfck

Southeast Anatolia is home to some of the earliest and most spectacular Neolithic sites associated with the beginning of cultivation and herding in the Old World. In this article we present new archaeobotanical and zooarchaeological data from Gusir Höyük, an aceramic Neolithic habitation dating to the 12th-late 11th millennia cal BP. Our results show selective use of legume crop progenitors and nuts during the earlier part of this period, followed by the management of cereal and legume crop progenitors from the mid-11th millennium cal BP. This contrasts with data available from other Anatolian habitations indicating broad spectrum plant use with low crop progenitor inputs. Early aceramic Neolithic Anatolian plant and animal exploitation strategies were site-specific, reflecting distinctive identities and culinary choices rather than environmental constraints. A multivariate evaluation of wheat grain metrics alongside botanical and radiometric data indicate that early wheat domestication in southeast Anatolia occurred at a faster pace than predicted by current hypotheses for a protracted transition to farming in Southwest Asia. We argue that this phenomenon is best explained as a corollary of the increasing importance of cereals in feasting at southeast Anatolian sites characterised by increasing architectural complexity and elaboration during the 11th millennium cal BP.

SHORT TERM LOAD ESTIMATION FOR ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION OF SOUTH EAST ANATOLIA TURKEY

Today the problem of prediction of short-term electricity consumption or Short Term Load Forecasting (STLF), is a matter of capital importance for energy companies, since it allows more efficient management, allowing better use of equipment and resources. Demand prediction is a complex problem, since it is related to economic, climatic, temporal factors, and its behavior varies from one society to another. Each of these factors provides certain variables that can be represented in different ways, particularly the temporal ones. In this work, we hypothesize that the method used to present the temporal variables to a system of prediction of electrical consumption affects the results. To verify the hypothesis raised, we consider different methods of representing these variables, applied to the problem of predicting daily values of electricity consumption in the province of South East Anatolia, Turkey. The division of the temporary variable into day, day of the week, month and year variables individually for each period involved in the problem, proved to be the most convenient method, obtaining an improvement of up to 10.56% compared to other methods considered.

EFFECT OF FERTILIZER TREATMENTS ON PLANT CHARACTERISTICS IN CHICKPEA VARIETIES IN PRE-FLOWERING AND FULL-FLOWERING PERIODS

The experiment was conducted at Dicle University Field Crops Department, Southeast Anatolia, Diyarbakir, Turkey in early spring growth period in 2018 -2019. The study were evaluated the effect of fertilizer treatments (control, diammonium phosphate, urea, phosphorus, and Rhizobium) on plant traits of chickpea varieties (Gokce, Diyar 95, Aziziye 94 and Taek-Sagel). The fertilizer treatments were applied with sown in both years, and plants were harvest in pre-flowering and full flowering periods. Measurements were taken on root, root nodule and leaf traits. In the pre-flowering period, dap and phosphorus treatments for the number of nodules plant-1were higher than control group. Plant height, fresh root weight, fresh leaf weight, and dry nodule weight were no affected by fertilizer treatments in both periods.

Review of our 10 years experience in cold burns at the burn center in the Southeast Anatolia region of Turkey.

Frostbite injuries remain to be one of the most complex and current problems of emergency medicine. Although cold burns are less frequent in hot climatic regions, it is a trauma, especially for men in our region. Also, most of the patients have difficulties in gaining early access to health and burn centers. We performed a retrospective analysis on sixteen patients aged between 13 and 82, who were presented to Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital Burn Center due to frostbite injuries. Data of each patient, including age, gender, injury time, extremity injuries, bacteriological observations, and general warming, were obtained from patients' files and computer records. After providing the first intervention to all the patients with trauma, a circulatory disorder of the injury area was deter-mined, and the treatment was provided accordingly. The treatment of these patients required very long and expensive operations, which often resulted in making them disabled. Deep frostbites in the cold winter months are frequently observed due to the unconscious use of ice and illegal crossings from the mountains at the Turkey border.

Zoogeographical and stratigraphical distribution of the genusZonocypris: Supportive evidence for Anatolian Diagonal and description of a new species from Turkey

Since its first description from Madagaskar, there are about 16 living (Recent) species of the genusZonocyprisreported from Afrotropical, Neotropical and Palearctic regions. Similarly, there are about 16 fossil with two (sub)species of the genus known from the Early Cretaceous (e.g., India, France, Russia, China, Brazil) to Holocene (e.g., Albania). Among the species, the only species known with fossil and living species isZonocypris costata. In Turkey,Zonocyprismembranaewith two subspecies (Z. m. membranae,Z. m. quadricella) is the only fossil species known while living individuals ofZ. costatawere encountered the southeast Anatolia. Additionally,Zonocyprismardinensisn. sp. is now proposed as a new species which shows clear differences in the soft body parts (e.g., aesthetasc ya in A1, knife-type G2 claw, shapes of clasping organs and hemipenis) and carapace structure (e.g., LV with extension, RV with posterior denticles). Overall, living species reported herein seem to inhabit comparatively warm (15–30 °C) within the ranges of slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 6.81–8.44) and low to well oxygenated waters (3.05–18.8 mg/l) where they can tolerate salinity (electrical conductivity 103–1910 μS/cm) values within a limited elevational range (336–991 m). Our results suggest that geographic distribution of the living species of the genus is limited within southern parts of Turkey while fossil forms seem to exhibit much wider distribution in northern parts. Anatolian Diagonal as physical barrier may be considered to play a critical role on separating fossil (east-north regions) and extant (southeast region) species of the genus in Turkey. This is the first supportive evidence provided by the species of the genusZonocypristhat geographic barrier could have played the main role on its distribution.