### Insight on Ancient Trade in Anatolia
A 4,000-year-old tablet discovered in Kültepe provides fascinating insights into the early commercial activities in Anatolia. This tablet reveals that the first company in Anatolia was established by 12 individuals who pooled together 15 kilograms of gold. This highlights the sophisticated trading practices and financial systems that existed in the region during that period.
### Rich History of Kültepe
Kültepe, with a history spanning 6,000 years, stands out as one of the oldest trade centers in Anatolia. The continuous excavations conducted for over 75 years have unearthed more than 20,000 cuneiform tablets, shedding light on the extensive commercial activities that took place at the time. The discoveries at Kültepe showcase the thriving trade network that existed in Anatolia millennia ago.
### Unraveling Commercial Transactions
Professor Fikri Kulakoğlu, who leads the Kültepe excavations, highlights the significance of the cuneiform tablets found at the site. These tablets provide detailed records of various financial transactions, from caravan expenses to credit relations, offering a glimpse into the bustling trade hub that Kültepe once was. Such documentation showcases the meticulous approach to business dealings in the ancient world.
### Establishment of the First Company
The tablet reveals intriguing details about the formation of the first company in Anatolia. Founded with a capital of 15 kilograms of gold by 12 partners, the company operated under the management of a merchant named Amur Ishtar for 12 years. The practice of sealing and recording all transactions in the presence of witnesses reflects a structured and organized approach to business operations during that era.
### Social Insights from Clay Tablets
Apart from commercial information, the clay tablets found at Kültepe also offer glimpses into various aspects of social life, such as marriage contracts, divorces, and inheritance documents. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the records kept in the ancient city, providing valuable insights into both the economic and social dynamics of the time.
As excavations continue at Kültepe, further discoveries are likely to enrich our understanding of the ancient trade networks and societal structures that once thrived in Anatolia. The meticulous documentation found on the cuneiform tablets serves as a window into a bygone era, revealing the complexities and richness of life in antiquity.
