ABSTRACT
Sesame, Sesamum indicum L., is the earliest oilseed known and grown by humans, according to available archaeological evidence (Bedigian 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004; Bedigian and Harlan 1986). Its cultivation dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. Historically, Anatolia was a major crossroads of the East-West trade. It is certain that Mesopotamian peoples cultivated sesame (Bedigian 1985, 1998, 2000, 2004), and spread it into their northern colonies before the Iron Age.
