B efore the series of discoveries of monumental Upper Mesopotamian communal ritual structures, the question of the construction of cult buildings during the Aceramic Neolithic period remained unresolved. The research conducted at the existing Aceramic Neolithic sites in Northern Syria, Iraq, and especially Southeastern Turkey dating to the tenth through the eighth millennia b.c. (fig. 1) provides evidence for the existence of public cult buildings during the period under discussion. The reports and publications on excavations at Hallan Cemi, Jerf el-Ahmar, Tell ‘Abr 3, Dja‘de el-Mughara, Nevali Cori, Cayonu Tepesi, and Gobekli Tepe are extremely informative. 1 Analysis of the reports and other publications provides an opportunity to trace the development of the general principles of the erection of cult structures in early Neolithic settlements in Northern Mesopotamia.