Here's what we know:
* Early evidence: The earliest known evidence of cheesemaking dates back to around 8000 BC in the Near East, particularly in regions like Turkey and Iran.
* Independent development: Archaeological evidence suggests cheesemaking was also developed independently in other regions like Europe, China, and Africa.
* Spread and evolution: Over time, the practice of cheesemaking spread across the world, with different cultures developing unique techniques and recipes.
Therefore, while there's evidence suggesting the Near East as a possible starting point, it's more accurate to say that cheese originated independently in multiple regions around the world.