Southeast Anatolia Research Articles

A new perennial Erysimum species from Turkey, E. nemrutdaghense (Brassicaceae)

In this study, Erysimum nemrutdaghense Mutlu (Brassicaceae) is described as a new species from the province of Adıyaman in the South-east Anatolia. In order to determine the phylogenetic relationships of the new species, a portion of the nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences of ITS region was used. In addition to the new species, ITS regions of five Erysimum species were sequenced. Erysimum sintenisianum Bornm., E. lazistanicum (Rupr.) Lipsky, and E. stenophyllum Polatschek were sequenced in this study for the first time. The diagnostic morphological and phylogenetic characteristics are discussed with similar species. SEM images of trichomes on different parts of siliqua, stigma, and seed are given. Chromosome number of the new species is found to be 2n=16.

Lithic analysis and the transition to the Neolithic in the Upper Tigris Valley: recent excavations at Hasankeyf Höyük

Abstract

The Effects of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGSs) on Regional Trade within the Scope of Assyrian Culture

The main purpose of the research is to determine the effects of civil society organisations concerned with Assyrian culture on the regional trade. The questionnaire designed in this framework had been applied to 102 Assyrian individuals concerning 4 civil society organisations in the Southeast Anatolia (the city of Mardin and the district of Midyat) between October 2014 and February 2015. The questionnaire is composed of three parts and 37 propositions, which include socio-demografic factors, civil society and regional trade in general and civil society and regional trade with reference to the activities of the civil society organisations and Assyrian culture. Most of the participants share the opinion that the relationship of individuals and civil society organisations, the condition of the regional trade and the support and the ability to access for regional trade are not comprehended adequately.

Management of the Stink Bugs Dolycoris baccarum (L.) and Piezodorus lituratus (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), and Chalky Spot Damage on Red Lentil in Southeast Anatolia Region, Turkey

Chalky spot damage caused by the stink bugs Dolycoris baccarum (L.) and Piezodorus lituratus (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a serious problem for red lentil production in Southeast Anatolia, Turkey. This study aimed to determine spraying time against stink bugs, based on lentil developmental stages and evaluate potential agronomic methods (early vs. timely harvest and traditional harvest with sickle bar mower vs. combine harvester) to reduce chalky spot. Field trials were carried out during 2011–2012 in three provinces of Southeast Anatolia (Diyarbakir, Mardin and Sanliurfa).Chalky spot damage was initiated at the R6 stage (full seed, seed on nodes 10-13 fill the pod cavities) when the stink bug nymphs started to be observed and the plant had soft immature seeds that were more susceptible to feeding by stink bugs. In early harvested lentil fields, the percentage of chalky spot damage was 0.60 and 0.20 in Diyarbakir and Sanliurfa provinces, respectively. It was lower than that of timely harvest. On the other hand, damaged seed percentage significantly reduced by changing the harvesting from traditional to combine harvesting and damage ratio was 0.90 and 0.00 in Diyarbakir and Mardin provinces, respectively. We conclude that the management to protect lentil crops from stink bug infestations should be initiated at the R6 growth stage, and that crops should be harvested a week earlier using combine harvester to reduce stink bug density and chalky spot damage.

Digestive tract helminths of Turkish ibex (Capra aegagrus aegagrus Erxleben, 1877)

Turkish ibex or wild goat (Capra aegagrus aegagrus Erxleben, 1877) is known to be distributed in Southeast Europe and Western Asia. In Turkey, the species is distributed in Eastern, Northeastern and steep mountainous areas of Southeast Anatolia. Antalya province is one of the main areas where Turkish ibex are currently found and where the species has had a long history. Digestive tracts of two male wild goats (Capra aegagrus aegagrus) were examined at necropsy from Antalya province, Turkey for gastrointestinal helminth infections. In total 3917 helminth parasites were collected and identified by morphological characteristics. Seven species of trichostrongylid nematodes were identified. Marshallagia marshalli and Telodorsagia circumcincta were the most abundant abomasal nematodes whereas Nematodirus abnormalis was dominant in the small intestine. This is the first report of helminths from Capra aegagrus aegagrus (sub-species of wild goat). Comparison with previous reports conducted on domestic goat and sheep in the nearby areas suggests that transmission of parasites between wild goat and domestic small ruminants is occurring

Additional Notes on Delphacidae, Tettigometridae and Cixidae [Auchenorrhyncha (Insecta: Hemiptera)] Fauna in East and Southeast Anatolia Region of Turkey

This study was carried out to contribute the Delphacidae, Tettigometridae and Cixiidae (Hemiptera) fauna in the East and Southeast Anatolia Region of Turkey. Specimens were collected from different locations of the study area, in 2007, 2008, 2014 and 2015, and prepared according to standard methods. 7 species belonging to 6 genera from 3 families were determined: Hyalesthes obsoletus, Pentastiridius leporinus, Laodelphax striatellus, Sogatella vibix, Toya propinqua, Tettigometra atra and Tettigometra macrocephala. Number of examined specimens, host plants and distribution of species in Turkey have been given. In these species; P. leporinus, L. striatellus T. atra, T. macrocephala were new records in these regions.

The Effects of Terrorism on Turkish Financial Markets

In this research, we analyzed how Turkish financial markets and foreign investors in the stock market reacted to the terror attacks in Turkey. Our analysis, which was performed using the terror index for the stock market and the foreign exchange market, revealed that returns, abnormal returns, and cumulative abnormal returns were not affected by the terror attacks; however, foreign investors in the stock market were affected. When the geographic regions of the terror attacks were analyzed, the findings showed that foreign investors were negatively affected mainly by the terror attacks that occurred in southeast Anatolia. Attack type and target type were important only for foreign investors. An evaluation of the interaction between the terror attacks and the markets with the involvement of the terrorist organizations indicated that only the foreign investors in the stock market were affected by Al-Qaeda and PKK-linked terror attacks. An evaluation of the effect of terror attacks in foreign countries on Turkish financial markets revealed no effect on the domestic stock market and foreign exchange markets. We also examined the volatility spillovers from the terror index to the stock market and found that terrorist attacks increased the volatility of the stock market.

From Rice to Wheat: Irrevocable Effect of Drought on Rural Gender Roles in Upper Mesopotamia

This study questions the effects of climate change on gender roles in rural areas. The data was obtained from women's focus groups situated in 12 villages of Hasankeyf area which is located in Dicle basin of the Southeast Anatolia Region of Turkey. Through the research, it is brought into light that the structure of crop production is shifting from irrigated farming to dry farming like rice to wheat and mainly the women in rural areas are affected by climate change. Because of drought, seasonal migration is common to men and gender roles are shifting in agriculture. There is feminization in agriculture as drought increases.

Güneydoğu Anadolu Mardin ilinin'daki pastoral toplumlarda antrozoolojik görünüşler

Human first started domesticating animals at least 11,000 years ago in the Levant and Central Anatolia. Gradually the idea of animal controlling process, along with agricultural practice, spread throughout Africa, Asia and continental Europe and eventually transformed the face of the world. Archaeozoological evidences suggest that the process of animal domestication was actually occurred in a new way of human-animal interactions which was totally unknown to previous hunter-gatherers. Mardin region is located in the central point of northern Fertile Crescent. Archaeological settlements near and around this region provide the evidence of human-animal relationships in Early Neolithic societies which essentially promoted the early domestication process. However, the dimensions of present human-animal interactions are far different than the early stage, and therefore, Mardin region is a crucial place to study different facts and status in pastoral societies, particularly focusing on anthrozoological perspectives. Unfortunately very few attempts have yet been taken regarding this issue in southeast Anatolia. This field research, thus, aimed to observe the status of pastoralism and human-animal relationships in pastoral societies of Mardin providence.

Agro-morphological traits of Cicer reticulatum Ladizinsky in comparison to C. echinospermum P.H. Davis in terms of potential to improve cultivated chickpea (C. arietinum L.)

Germplasm collections of C. reticulatum and C. echinospermum are limited, while both species face threats from over-grazing and habitat change in their natural environments. Recently many new accessions of C. reticulatum and C. echinospermum were collected in east and south-east Anatolia (Turkey) but they have not yet been evaluated for agro-morphological traits. Therefore, the current study investigated agro-morphological traits of new germplasm sources of C. reticulatum and C. echinospermum and evaluated resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses for chickpea improvement. The most attractive agro-morphological traits were canopy width, number of stems and pods per plant and biological yield. The most productive accessions of C. reticulatum and C. echinospermum had 712 and 625 pods per plant, respectively. Two distinct seed, flower and leaf shapes were found in accessions of C. echinospermum. Path analyses indicated that biological yield and harvest index had the most direct influence on seed yield in both species. Factor analyses showed that high seed yield in C. reticulatum depended on high biological yield and number of pods per plant, whereas high seed yield in C. echinospermum depended on harvest index. It was concluded that most accessions of C. reticulatum and C. echinospermum were not only resistant to some biotic and abiotic stresses but also had hidden alleles that could produce transgressive segregation in crosses to cultivated material.

FIRST REPORT OF GRAPEVINE VIRUS D (GVD) IN AUTOCHTHONOUS GRAPEVINE VARIETIES IN TURKEY

Rugose wood is a complex of graft-transmissible disorders of the grapevine (Vitis spp.). At least six different viruses belonging to the genera Vitivirus and Foveavirus in the family Betaflexiviridae are associated with the disease which is distributed worldwide (Martelli, 2015). Among these viruses, grapevine virus A, grapevine virus B and grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus were reported in Turkish vineyards (Martelli, 2014; Buzkan et al., 2015), whereas no information is available on the occurrence of grapevine virus D (GVD). Therefore, the presence of GVD was investigated in autochthonous grapevine cultivars from two viticultural areas in Turkey, i.e. Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Anatolia. Total RNA was extracted from 142 samples and tested for the presence of GVD by RT-PCR using primers CP7V/CP471C (Abou-Ghanem et al., 1997). A 474 bp product corresponding to a fragment of the coat protein gene was amplified from 13 samples, accounting for a prevalence of 9%. The nucleotide sequence obtained from PCR amplicons was subjected to BLASTN analysis to confirm the identity of the target virus. The Turkish isolates showed 90% nucleotide sequence identity with a GVD isolate from Italy passaged onto a herbaceous host (Nicotiana occidentalis) (GenBank accession No. Y07764) and 98% with a GVD isolate from Brazil (JQ031716). GVD was only detected in grapevines from Southeast Anatolia, where it is a very common practice to establish vineyards with propagation material exchanged among growers without any pathogen testing. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of GVD in Turkish grapevines.

Eocene magmatism (Maden Complex) in the Southeast Anatolian Orogenic Belt: Magma genesis and tectonic implications

The origin and geodynamic setting of the Maden Complex, which is situated in the Bitlis-Zagros Suture Zone in the Southeast Anatolian Orogenic Belt, is still controversial due to lack of systematic geological and geochemical data. Here we present new whole rock major-trace-rare earth element and Sr–Nd isotope data from the Middle Eocene volcanic rocks exposed in Maden Complex and discuss their origin in the light of new and old data. The volcanic lithologies are represented mainly by basalt and andesite, and minor dacite that vary from low-K tholeiitic, calc-alkaline, high-K calc-alkaline, and shoshonitic in composition. They exhibit enrichments in large ion lithophile and light rare earth elements, with depletions in high field strength elements. Basaltic rocks have uniform Sr and Nd isotope ratios with high εNd(t) values varying from +5.5 to +6.7, in contrast to, andesitic rocks are characterized by low εNd(t) values ranging from −1.6 to −10. These geochemical and isotopic characteristics indicate that two end-members, a subduction-related mantle source and a continental crust, were involved in the magma genesis. Considering all geological and geochemical data, we suggest that the Eocene Maden magmatism occurred as a post-collisional product by asthenospheric upwelling owing to convective removal of the lithosphere during an extensional collapse of the Southeast Anatolian ranges.

Application of strontium isotope analysis to provenance studies of Early Bronze Age North-Mesopotamian Metallic Ware

Sr isotopic analysis was carried out on Early Bronze Age (c. 2800–2200BCE) North-Mesopotamian Metallic Ware and clay samples collected from south-eastern Anatolia and north-eastern Syria with a view to determining the provenance of this characteristic ceramic type, in particular of its non-calcareous variant. The non-calcareous and calcareous variants of North-Mesopotamian Metallic Ware, which have been defined in previous archaeometric studies, show a clear distinction in their Sr isotopic signatures. The non-calcareous group is characterised by high 87Sr/86Sr ratios, whereas the calcareous variant has much lower values. The Sr isotopic signature of the non-calcareous group shows similarities with clay samples from the Pütürge Massif area in south-east Anatolia. Combining the results of the present study with previous investigations, it is thought that the raw material used for the production of non-calcareous North-Mesopotamian Metallic Ware could have been originated from the southern part of the Pütürge Massif area. Furthermore, this study proves that Sr isotope analysis is a useful tool for the characterisation and identification of archaeological ceramic provenance.

Cultural values in eastern anatolia and southeast Anatolia, Turkey

Cultural values in eastern anatolia and southeast Anatolia, Turkey

The first serological evidence for Rift Valley fever infection in the camel, goitered gazelle and Anatolian water buffaloes in Turkey.

Rift valley fever (RVF), a vector-borne zoonotic disease, is caused by a phlebovirus (family Bunyaviridae). The virus was initially characterized approximately 80years ago in Kenya and disseminated to many countries in the continental Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. The infection has not been reported in Turkey. In this study, blood serum samples collected from camel (Camelus dromedairus), goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa), and buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis linneaus) from 2000 to 2006 were investigated for RVF using C-ELISA. Camel samples (n=72) were obtained from private small enterprises in Aydın province in theAegean region. Gazella samples (82) were taken from the biggest captive gazelle herd in Şanlıurfa province in the southeast Anatolia. Buffalo samples were collected mostly from small private family type farms in Afyon (168), Amasya (80), Samsun (69), Ankara (35), Sivas (21), Tokat (19), Konya (10), and Elazığ (8) provinces in the central, north, west, and east Anatolia. All of the gazella samples were negative; whereas, one of the 71 camel samples (1.3%) was positive for RVF-specific antibodies. Buffalos from Sivas, Tokat, Konya, and Elazığ provinces were negative. However, 35 of the 410 samples (8.5%) from rural areas in the following four provinces were positive: Amasya (12/80, 15%), Ankara (5/35, 14.2%), Samsun (8/69, 11.5%), and Afyon (10/168, 5.9%). To our knowledge, this is the first report of presence of RVF infection in Turkey.

A lumpy skin disease case in the southeast turkey: A threat for Eurasia

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a pox disease of cattle characterised by fever, nodules on the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs, emaciation, enlarged lymph nodes, oedema of the skin, and sometimes death. A disease form was observed in cattle in the Southeast Anatolia in 2013 and 2014 and suspected for LSD suspected by clinical examination. In this study, LSD has been defined by molecular virologic and histopathologic tests. A necropsy was undertaken and tissue samples were taken. Also, blood and tissue samples with biopsy punches were taken from animals having symptoms. Tissue and blood samples were examined molecularly and histopathologically while tissue samples were examined histopathologically. Positive amplification was detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction and confirmed by sequencing in the extracted DNA’s derived from tissues. Tissue samples were compatible with LSD histopathologically. The first official notification of LSD in Sanliurfa province of the Southeast of Turkey is determined. As a result, LSD could be treated northern territories in suitable climate conditions.

Occurrence, identification and phylogenetic analyses of cereal cyst nematodes (Heterodera spp.) in Turkey

AbstractPlant-parasitic nematodes are very common on cereal crops and cause economic losses via reduction in grain quality and quantity. During 2014, 83 soil samples were collected from wheat and barley fields in 21 districts of 13 provinces across five regions (Central Anatolia, Marmara, Aegean, Southeast Anatolia, and Black Sea Region) of Turkey. Cyst-forming nematodes were found in 66 samples (80%), and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing and species-specific PCR identified the species in 64 samples as Heterodera filipjevi, Heterodera latipons, and Heterodera avenae. The predominant pathogenic cereal cyst nematode was H. filipjevi, which was found in all five regions surveyed. H. avenae was only detected in Southeast Anatolia whereas H. latipons was detected in Southeast Anatolia and Central Anatolia. ITS-rDNA phylogenetic analyses showed that H. avenae isolates from China clustered with H. australis, and Turkish isolates were closely related to European and USA isolates of this species. H. filipjevi from Turkey and China were clustered closely with those from the UK, Germany, Russia, and the USA. The density of many of these populations exceeded or approached the maximum threshold level for economic loss. To our knowledge, this is the first report of H. filipjevi in Diyarbakir, Edirne, and Kutahya provinces, and the first report of H. avenae in Diyarbakir Province. These results exhibit the most rigorous analysis to date on the occurrence and distribution of Heterodera spp. in Turkey's major wheat-producing areas, thus providing a basis for more specific resistance breeding, as well as other management practices.

Lithospheric structure of Southeast Anatolia from joint inversion of local and teleseismic data

A joint tomographic inversion of local and teleseismic arrival times recorded at 41 seismic stations in southeast Anatolia is conducted to study the 3-D lithospheric velocity structure and its relation to the prevailing tectonic processes. A total of 21300 arrivals from local and teleseismic events are used in the final inversion. The tomographic model reveals prominent lower crustal/uppermost mantle low-velocity anomalies. High-velocity zones are imaged in the western part of the study area. The background seismic activity occurs mainly at the low-velocity areas and to a lesser extent in some high-velocity zones. Large crustal earthquakes occur in average velocity zones, but not in high-velocity areas that can resist stress. Results of the checkerboard resolution test indicate the reliability of the obtained images; while the large hit counts at most depth slices denote reasonable ray-path coverage for most parts of the study area. The obtained velocity anomalies are generally consistent with many previous geophysical measurements and give much deeper understanding of the current seismotectonic processes occurring in the region.

Potential of Industrial Tomato Production of Southeast Anatolian Region in Turkey

Turkiye’de farkli iklim ve toprak yapisi nedeni ile bircok sebze turu uretilebilmektedir. Ulkemiz sebzecilik bakimindan 9 bolgeye ayrilmakta ve her bolgenin de farkli sebzecilik potansiyeline sahip oldugu bilinmektedir. Domates ulkemizde en fazla uretilen sebze olarak ilk sirayi alirken isleme sanayi olarak da urun yelpazesi en genis olan bir sebzedir. Turkiye 28.6 milyon ton sebze uretimi ile dunyada 4. Sirada yer almaktadir. Sebze uretiminin %86’ i acikta %14’ u ise ortualtinda yapilmaktadir. Turkiye 12.61 milyon ton domates uretimine sahiptir. Bu uretimin 8. 171milyon tonu sofralik, 4.445 milyon tonu ise sanayi tipi olusturmakta ve domates Turkiye sebze uretiminin %42 si karsilayarak en fazla uretilen sebze olarak ilk sirada yer almaktadir. Guneydogu Anadolu Bolgesinin 66 474 ha alanda 677 600 ton domates uretimi bulunmaktadir. Bolgenin 39 571 ha alanda 359 734 ton sofralik ve 26 903 ha alanda ise 317 886 ton sanayi tipi domates uretimi bulunmaktadir. Bolge domates uretimi bakimindan buyuk bir potansiyele sahiptir. Calisma ile sektorun yogunlastigi Marmara bolgesi disinda guclu bir Pazar ve yetistiricilik potansiyeline sahip oldugu dusunulen Guneydogu Anadolu Bolgesinin urun bazinda sektor olarak (domatese dayali isleme sanayi) degerlendirilmesine dikkat cekmesi beklenmektedir. Boylece bolgede yeni yatirim ve istihdam alanlarinin acilmasi beklenmektedir.

The Comparison of Satisfaction Levels of Southeastern Anatolian Provinces by Multidimensional Scaling Analysis

Raising the quality of life of people and depending on this raising the levels of satisfaction is one of the basic goals of all public institutions and organizations. Determination of the needs of the people and elimination of deficiencies in this subject will increase the level of satisfaction of the people. This study, which aimed at determining the extent to which this target could be approached in the southeastern Anatolia provinces, examined the levels of satisfaction with public services for people where live in nine provinces by multidimensional scaling analysis. With the findings of the analysis, comparative inferences have been obtained regarding to social security institution services, health services, education services, judicial services, public order services, and transportation services for provinces of Southeast Anatolia region. When the satisfaction of the public services of the Southeastern Anatolia Region is taken into consideration, it is determined that Şırnak is in a very different position from the general tendency, while the result is that there are significant differences in terms of provinces.