Southwest Anatolia Research Articles

Isolation and Characterization of Compounds from Truffle Melanogaster broomenaus and their Bioactivities.

Melanogaster broomeanus Berk. is a type of truffle common in pine, oak, and hazelnut forests and which naturally spreads in the Black Sea, Mediterranean, South-West Anatolia in Turkey, is consumed as food and traded. Chemical investigation of M. broomenaus led to isolate of ten known compounds namely, brassicasterol (1), ergosterol (2), ergosterol peroxide (3), 5α, 6α-epoxy ergosta-7,22-diene-3β-ol (4), trametenolic acid (5), maleic acid (6), fumaric acid (7), mannitol (8), kojibiose (9) and trehalose (10). Assessments of the antioxidant, anticholinesterase, anti-urease, and cytotoxic properties of extracts and isolated compounds were carried out. Compound 5 showed the highest cytotoxic activity against H-1299 with IC50: 23.78±0.98 μg/mL, while compound 2 demonstrated most potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 with IC50: 30.91±0.15 μg/ml. Also, compound 5 showed the highest antioxidant activity in all methods, particularly in DPPH and ABTS assays with IC50 values of 90.24±0.87, 75.41±0.10 μg/mL, respectively. Similarly, compound 5 exhibited highest activity with 38.84±1.22 % and 44.58±0.96 % inhibitions against AChE and BChE, respectively, while compound 7 were found to be most potent inhibitory against urease with value of 55.20±0.45 % at 100 μg/mL concentration. These findings suggest that M. broomenaus, like numerous other edible mushrooms, is a steroid-rich truffle and a potential source of steroids.

Comparison of Performance Analysis Results with Developed Site-Specific Response Spectra and Turkish Seismic Design Code: A Case Study from the SW Türkiye Region

On 6 February 2023, the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes clearly showed that the elastic spectrum curves in TBEC-2018 are insufficient to represent earthquake behavior. In this study, the effect of using a site-specific spectrum curve instead of the elastic spectrum given in TBEC-2018 on the earthquake safety of a building is investigated. For this purpose, the provinces in southwest Anatolia, Türkiye, which is one of the most tectonically complex regions with frequent seismic events, were selected. In the first stage of the study, spectrum curves were obtained for earthquakes with return periods of 2475, 475, and 72 years for each of the provinces in this region. These spectrum curves were obtained using probabilistic seismic hazard studies that take into account the active faults of the provinces and earthquake activity in both historical and instrumental periods. In the second stage of the study, analytical models of a selected model RC building were created according to each province, and static pushover analyses of these building models were performed both according to the elastic spectrum given in TBEC-2018 and according to the spectrum curve created specifically for the province. The results of the analyses show that the change in the spectrum changes the target displacement level of the buildings, and as a result, the cross-sectional damage zone of the structural elements under the earthquake effect is changed. So much so that using the site-specific instead of the elastic spectrum given in TBEC-2018 changed the damage zone of 43% of the beams and 26.4% of the columns in the İzmir model. The change in the section damage zones changed the performance level of some floors of the models and the performance level of the building. The study revealed the importance of using the most realistic elastic spectrum curves in order to determine the earthquake performance of buildings that is as close as possible to their behavior in a possible earthquake.

Lower Devonian vertebrate microfossils from Turkey

A small sample of vertebrate fish scales, predominantly those of a thelodont agnathan, the turiniid Turinia sp. cf. T. nachoi, and a few from the acanthodian gnathostome Nostovicina laticristata, have been found in the Lower Devonian Güneyyaka Formation in the Ovacik slice of the Tahtalidağ Nappe north of Alanya (Antalya Unit) in the Antalya region, southwest Anatolia, southern Turkey. The area is considered to have been on the northern Gondwana margin at that time. The fish microfossils support a Lochkovian to possible early Pragian at youngest (Early Devonian) age for the limestone beds, and are amongst the oldest known Turkish vertebrate fossils. Yakut Göncüoglu [yigtjpc@gmail.com], Kafkas Sitesi 2481. Sok. No 65 Umitköy-Ankara, Turkey; Carole J. Burrow [carole.burrow@gmail.com], Queensland Museum Geosciences, 122 Gerler Road, Hendra Queensland 4011, Australia; Susan Turner [paleodeadfish@yahoo.com], Queensland Museum Geosciences, 122 Gerler Road, Hendra Queensland 4011, Australia; Philippe Janvier [philippe.janvier@mnhn.fr], Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, 75005 Paris, France; M. Cemal Göncüoglu [mcgoncu@metu.edu.tr], Middle East Technical University (METU), Department of Geological Engineering, 06531 Ankara, Turkey.

Chemical and mineralogical characterization of late chalcolithic pottery (ca. 3700–3300 BCE) from southwest Anatolia (Türkiye)

This paper presents the results of chemical and petrographic investigations on the late chalcolithic (ca. 3700–3300 BCE) pottery from the Burdur Lake region in southwest Anatolia (Türkiye). Twenty-one ceramic sherds and a clay lump from four different levels of the late chalcolithic site of Kuruçay Höyük (Burdur) were examined with thin section petrography, XRF, and XRD to illuminate the element and mineral compositions of the ceramics. The chemical compositions and their statistical evaluation demonstrate the continuous use of at least two local clay sources within each different phase of the late chalcolithic. While sources stay the same, petrographic thin section analysis implies a change in the clay preparation techniques. This is visible via the homogeneity of the clay matrix and the existence of shell and lithic inclusions in the paste. About the end of the late chalcolithic period, clay preparation appears to be enhanced conceivably with the changing technological setting of the period toward the early bronze age.

5 Archaeology in southwest Anatolia: research from Ionia and Caria in the last decade

This paper presents a review of recent archaeological work in Ionia and Caria, located in southwest Anatolia. In this paper we focus on archaeological research conducted in the past decade and we present a synthesis of recent discoveries and published research. Southwest Anatolia is a region where the earliest archaeological work dates back to the 19th century. However, there are research areas that have been long neglected, and archaeological work has been stifled until recent decades. As a result, the last decade of research has seen significant transformations in approaches and methodologies, with new research agendas to report. Owing to their presentation in historical accounts, Ionia has been perceived as more embedded within the world of Greek archaeology, whereas Caria, viewed from an Atheno-centric perspective, has been regarded as peripheral and provincial. Therefore, it is interesting to present a synthesis of archaeological research for both regions together. It is promising that archaeological practice in both regions has begun to embrace a longue dureé approach and has shifted research focus from major urban centres and monuments to new research foci by making use of interdisciplinary research, including rural landscapes, domestic space, cultural identities, and daily practices.

Investigation of Aroma Components of Tuber aestivum and Tuber borchii Collected From Different Location in Türkiye

Truffle is an important food source for wild animals and a significant part of the ecosystem, indicating a healthy forest. With their unique aromas, truffles are also a crucial food source for humans. The volatile substances released by Tuber not only appeal to our sense of smell but also contribute to various biological activities. Different aromas result in different tastes; therefore, aroma is essential in defining the organoleptic properties and quality of underground fungi. This research aims to investigate according to the percentage the chemical components considering the habitat and mycorrhizal host tree species of naturally occurring summer truffle Tuber aestivum Vittad. and white truffle Tuber borchii Vittad. in Southwest Anatolia and Marmara regions. For this purpose, the aroma components of T. aestivum and T. borchii collected from two different regions were analyzed using the HS-SPME-GC/MS system. Accordingly, a total of 59 different compounds (volatile organic compounds) were identified, including 20 compounds in T. aestivum from Muğla, 13 compounds in T. aestivum from Kırklareli, 44 compounds in T. borchii from Muğla, and 33 compounds in T. borchii from Kırklareli, belonging to different classes of compounds. While terpenes such as limonene (37.62%), p-cymene (4.79%), and β-pinene (4.12%) were major compounds in T. aestivum collected from Muğla, 2-octen-1-ol (46.78%), 1-octen-3-ol (40.44%), and 3-octanol (2.62%) predominantly constituted the aroma in T. aestivum from Kırklareli. The characteristic sulfur compounds commonly found in Tuber species were present in 42.19% of T. borchii collected from Kırklareli and 12.15% from Muğla. When comparing T. borchii grown in Kırklareli and Muğla, 3-methyl-4,5-dihydrothiophene (29.53% and 6.73%) p-methyl thiobenzaldehyde (2.75% and 5.42%), and methionine (9.91% in Kırklareli, not detected in Muğla) were found in different percentage rates. Based on the data obtained in this study, the classification of both Tuber species, with respect to their geographical origin, was determined using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Accordingly, it is show that of the aroma of Tuber species of the chemical components and the aroma components to the formation should be cultivated after optimizing the ecological conditions that contribute to the symbiotic life of the plant species they provide.

Relationships between site factors and plant species on eroded marly soils in Southwest Anatolia (Eskişehir/Turkey)

Natural regeneration of vegetation is prevented in areas of marly soils by drought and soil erosion. In ecological restoration of eroded areas, the selection of suitable plant species is critical. The aim of this study is to assess specific plant species and their ecological characteristics for their ability to thrive under maximum drought in areas with marly soil. The study was conducted on 36 plots in the marly areas of Eskisehir-Bozan, Turkey, during the most drought-prone months, august and September, in 2011 and 2012. Vegetation sampling was conducted according to the Braun-Blanquet method. Fifteen plant taxa with the highest coverage and frequency were identified. Relationships between plant species and environmental factors were determined by correlation analysis. According to the results of numerical analysis, there were relationships between site factors (nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, lime, slope, altitude, and radiation index) and 8 plant taxa. The other 7 plant taxa did not show any relationship with environmental factors. The survival resistance of fifteen plant taxa in marly areas is quite high even in the driest months. These plant taxa, which have properties essential for soil protection, can be used in the revegetation studies of marly areas exposed to erosion.

An Approach to Determine of the Formation Stages of Volcanism Using Natural Gamma-Ray Spectrometer from Geophysical Methods (Example of Gölcük Volcanism)

Gölcük Caldera is in the Isparta Angle, which is an interesting tectonic structure in Southwest Anatolia. This caldera is formed as a result of back-arc volcanism associated with the northward subduction zone of the African plate under the Eurasian Plate during the Tertiary. It attracts the attention of many researchers with its tectonic and volcanic structure. In this article, the results of in situ natural gamma radiation measurements made in the caldera are evaluated. In the study, radioactive element (Potassium (%K), Uranium (eU), and Thorium (eTh)) contents of volcanics were measured in situ with the portable gamma-ray spectrometer, which is effectively used in Geophysical Engineering. The changes in natural gamma radiation of alkaline volcanic are presented with maps. When these maps are examined, it is understood that K%, U-ppm and Th-ppm concentrations of Gölcük volcanic are higher than the world average values. The high potassium concentration draws even more attention. The high potassium content indicates that the local volcanic are ultrapotassic and contain lithospheric materials. In addition, since the radioactive element concentration will reflect the magmatic development, the volcanic stages in the region have been tried to be determined. The number of these stages was determined from the curves of the radioactive data from a purely geophysical engineering (numerical) point of view, and the study area was interpreted as consisting of three different phases. This finding is supported by the results of the articles on the aging studies of the samples taken as a result of observations. In addition to these, the ranges of radioactive elements belonging to these stages were determined.

The anticancer effect of Salvia pisidica essential oil through promotion intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways in human cancer cell lines

IntroductionSpecies of the Salvia genus are aromatic herbs and traditionally used for many medicinal purposes in Anatolia. The genus has produced an extraordinarily large number of beneficial secondary metabolites belonging to numerous chemical groups. Salvia pisidica is an endemic plant of southwest Anatolia, the dried parts of which are used as herbal tea and local materia medica. MethodsThe composition of endemic S. pisidica essential oil was determined through GC-MS studies. In vitro cytotoxicity activity and apoptosis analysis were investigated by MTT assay, q-PCR and Annexin V staining experiments. ResultsOur results showed that 1,8 cineole (19.15 %) camphor (18.12 %) and γ-gurjunene (8.58 %) were the major constituents of the essential oil. It showed cytotoxic effects on the human breast cancer MCF-7, colon carcinoma Caco-2, hepatocyte carcinoma HepG2, and prostate carcinoma LnCap. The results of q-PCR and image-cytometer analysis showed that the essential oil caused induction of apoptosis by intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in all cancer cell lines. ConclusionS. pisidica essential oil demonstrates considerable cytotoxic activity due to an apoptosis-related mechanism, suggesting that their bioactive components could be used as natural anticancer substances.

A New Cephalaria (Caprifoliaceae) Species from Turkey

Cephalaria saldaensis, collected from Eşeler Mountain around Salda Lake (Yeşilova-Burdur), one of Turkey’s important tourism regions, is described from South-West Anatolia as a new species. Diagnostic morphological and molecular characters from closely similar taxa are discussed. The geographical distribution of the new species and other related species is mapped. Taxonomic comments such as descriptive and diagnostic characters, distribution and ecology, conservation status for this new species are given in the current study. In this study, morphological characterization of three different Cephalaria spp. was also supported via molecular characterization based on PCR technology. Twenty-two ISSR primers were tested using a total of fifteen individuals belonging to three different Cephalaria spp. Five of these primers gave the most productive band profile. A total of 53 bands ranging from 250bp to 2000bp were obtained from the PCR products on agarose gel image, and the polymorphism calculated on the basis of the band profiles was 77.4%. The band profiles were also analyzed using the PopGen32 Software program. The constructed phylogenetic tree grouped the Cephalaria spp. individuals belonging to these three species into two main clusters and the phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. saldaensis was clearly different from the C. scoparia and C. dirmilensis.

:Ausgrabungen in der frühbronzezeitlichen Siedlung im Heraion von Samos 1966

:<i>Ausgrabungen in der frühbronzezeitlichen Siedlung im Heraion von Samos 1966</i>

Mapping and Analysis of Monthly Average Maximum and Minimum Air Temperature Distribution of Muğla Province in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Environment with IDW Method

Muğla province, which is located in Southwest Anatolia and has a surface area of 13,338 km2, generally has a mountainous and rough terrain. In this study, it is aimed to map and analyze the distribution of monthly and annual maximum and minimum average temperature values of Muğla province by using the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation method. For this purpose, meteorological data of 13 stations of the General Directorate of Meteorology in Muğla and the stations of Gölhisar, Bozdoğan, Kaş, Elmalı, which are close to the borders of the province, were used. The average values of the annual and monthly maximum and minimum temperatures of these stations were transferred to the ArcGIS environment with the help of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their distribution was mapped with the IDW method. According to these maps, the highest average annual temperature in Muğla is in Milas and its surroundings, while the lowest is the provincial borders in the northeast of Muğla center and Seydikemer district. These two places are followed by Datça district, which is located on a long peninsula. The places with the highest annual minimum average temperatures are around Datça and Marmaris districts, while the lowest is the Burdur provincial border in the northeast of Kavaklıdere and Seydikemer. The maximum average temperature in the province is July (between 41.6-41.1°C in Milas and Köyceğiz), and the lowest is January (between 14-17°C in Muğla center and Kavaklıdere). The minimum average temperatures in the province are highest in June (between 37.7-34.6°C in Marmaris), and the lowest in January (between -7.9 and -6.6°C in Kavaklıdere). Elevation conditions, maritime influence and aspect conditions, and the intrusion of thermal pressure areas, especially in summer, have been effective in the distribution of maximum and minimum average temperature values in the province. These values may also vary depending on time during the year

Martha Sharp Joukowsky, 1936–2022

Martha Sharp Joukowsky, 1936–2022

Hesperis burdurensis (Brassicaceae), a new species from Southwest Anatolia

A new species, Hesperis burdurensis (Brassicaceae), from southwest Anatolia is described and illustrated. The species is similar to Hesperis tosyaensis and H. pisidica but distinguished from these species by its leaf shape, petal size, and trichome features. Herein, an identification key with a description of the new species is provided. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations of pollen grains and trichome types are presented. Comments on the habitat, ecology, phenology, distribution, and conservation status of the new species are also provided.

Morphological, Anatomical, Palynological and Karyological Studies on Endemic Alyssum kaynakiae (Brassicaceae) from Southwest Region of Turkey

Alyssum kaynakiae is an endemic biennial species growing in Southwest Anatolia, Turkey. In this study, the morphology of this taxon was revised, and its anatomical, palynological, and karyological characteristics were analysed for the first time. Alyssum kaynakiae has been considered part of the traditional Alyssum sect. Gamosepalum. Alyssum kaynakiae has diploid chromosome number 2n=16. It has a primary structure in the root and stem, collenchyma located under the epidermis in the root and under the cortex layer in the stem, and vascular bundles varying between 9 to 11. Leaves are isolateral, stomata are at the same level as the epidermis, and both sides of the leaves have lepidote hairs. Its palynological features are compatible with the Brassicaceae family, with its pollen type being tricolpate, its pollen shape being prolate, and its ornamentation being reticulate.

Settlement, environment, and climate change in SW Anatolia: Dynamics of regional variation and the end of Antiquity.

This paper develops a regional dataset of change at 381 settlements for Lycia-Pamphylia in southwest Anatolia (Turkey) from volume 8 of the Tabula Imperii Byzantini-a compilation of historical toponyms and archaeological evidence. This region is rich in archaeological remains and high-quality paleo-climatic and -environmental archives. Our archaeological synthesis enables direct comparison of these datasets to discuss current hypotheses of climate impacts on historical societies. A Roman Climatic Optimum, characterized by warmer and wetter conditions, facilitating Roman expansion in the 1st-2nd centuries CE cannot be supported here, as Early Byzantine settlement did not benefit from enhanced precipitation in the 4th-6th centuries CE as often supposed. However, widespread settlement decline in a period with challenging archaeological chronologies (c. 550-650 CE) was likely caused by a "perfect storm" of environmental, climatic, seismic, pathogenic and socio-economic factors, though a shift to drier conditions from c. 460 CE appears to have preceded other factors by at least a century.

Moving in Together?Synoikismosand Polis Formation at Sagalassos and in Southwest Anatolia

Topics such as polis formation and synoikismos have a rich background in classical studies, history, and archaeology. Such studies have mainly focused on the attestations of synoikismos events in literary sources and inscriptions. The archaeological side of such processes has not always been given equal weight. This paper presents a more encompassing view on patterns of synoikismos and polis formation by incorporating and assessing archaeological evidence in a model of push-pull interactions between local communities and the Hellenistic kingdoms in southwest Anatolia. This model will be applied on a case study of the origin of polis at Sagalassos and its relation with the nearby settlement at Düzen Tepe during its formative years in the Early to Middle Hellenistic period (3rd–2nd centuries b.c.). It will then situate this case in its wider context of settlement patterns and community formation in southwest Anatolia, focusing on the ancient regions of Pisidia, Lycia, and Pamphylia. The paper suggests that interactions between local communities and overarching central administrations offered suitable stimuli that resulted in local communities starting to participate in wider dynamics of economic and political importance. This ultimately resulted in observed patterns of polis formation and a potential synoikismos.

Heavy Metal Contamination Status and Risk Assessment in Surface Sediments of Köyceğiz Lagoon Estuary System (KLES) (South-West Anatolia)

This study reports the presence of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb) in the sediment and water column in the Köyceğiz Lagoon Estuary System (KLES) (South-West Anatolia). The mean heavy metal concentrations (µg L-1) in the water were found as Cr: 3.72-8.36, Ni: 6.51-9.48, Cu: 1.29-11.88, Cd: ND-0.08, Pb: ND-0.34. The heavy metal concentrations in water samples were found to be below the internationally acceptable limits. The mean heavy metal concentrations (mg kg-1) in the sediment were found as Cr: 1.75-4.25, Ni: 5.24-12.69, Cu: 0.25-0.51, Cd: &amp;lt;0.01, Pb: 0.04-0.13. As a result of the analyses conducted concerning contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), monomial potential ecological risk index (ER), and total potential ecological risk index (RI) for heavy metals in the sediment, it was deduced that there was not any pollution and moderate or high ecological risks.

Where to put them? Burial location in middle Hellenistic to late Roman Sagalassos, southwest Anatolia

AbstractIn classical archaeology the spatial aspects of deathscapes and associated funerary phenomena are often taken at face value. Beginning from a relational understanding of space, this article examines the necropoleis of middle Hellenistic to late Roman Sagalassos (second century BC to fifth century AD) within the wider context of the city. To facilitate this methodologically, four spatial aspects are investigated for the Hellenistic, Roman Imperial and late Roman periods: the relations between the spaces of the living and dead, landscaping practices, visibility and accessibility. These four aspects offer insight into the funerary and non-funerary relations from which the necropoleis emerged, developed, expanded and eventually disappeared. A whole range of funerary phenomena are included, ranging from cinerary urns, rectangular and vase-shaped ostothekai, aediculae, naiskoi, arcosolia and sarcophagi to larger sepulchral structures like temple tombs. In addition to being compared with urban developments, the observed patterns are further evaluated within the larger framework of Asia Minor. Ultimately, the enunciated archaeological patterns facilitate multicausal answers to where the Sagalassians placed their dead, if and how this changed and became more varied, and why these developments occurred in particular (re)configurations of time-space.

An Investigation of The Biological Activity of Monofloral Honey Produced in South-Western Anatolia

In this study, monofloral honeys (chaste, thyme, citrus, and heather) which were obtained from different sources from members of Beekeeping Associations in South-West Anatolia were studied for their antioxidant capacity, total phenolic amounts, total flavonoid amounts, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and urease inhibition activities. Antioxidant capacity of honey samples was determined by β-carotene, DPPH, ABTS+ and CUPRAC activity methods. In honey samples, the highest antioxidant activity was found in citrus honey with β-carotene/Linoleic acid color opening with IC50: 7.99 mg/mL, and DPPH free radical removal activity with IC50: 5.28 mg/mL in thyme honey. In CUPRAC activity, it was determined that the highest activity was found in heather honey with IC50: 1.69 mg/mL, in terms of ABTS+ removal activity IC50: 2.80 mg/mL in chaste honey, and metal chelating activity IC50: 1.56 mg/mL in thyme honey. The total phenolic and flavonoids amounts of honeys ranged from 2.31 and 27.15 (μg PEs/mg) to 4.95 and 25.24 (µg QEs/mg), respectively. In addition, AChE inhibition IC50: 24.25 mg/mL in thyme honey, BChE inhibition IC50: 27.93 mg/mL in thyme honey, and urease inhibition IC50: 34.89 mg/mL with citrus honey were determined concerning the highest activity, consecutively.