Located in the southeastern Turkey, northeast of the city of Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe is an archaeological site that has shaken the world of archaeology and rewritten the history of humanity. Dating back to 9600-8000 BC, Göbeklitepe is considered the world’s oldest temple complex and houses the earliest known monumental structures in human history.
Discovery and Excavations
Göbeklitepe was discovered in 1963 during an archaeological survey conducted by a joint team from Istanbul University and the University of Chicago. The first excavations began in 1995 and have been continuing ever since under the collaboration of the German Archaeological Institute and the Şanlıurfa Museum.
Temples and Statues
So far, four main temples and dozens of megalithic stone pillars have been unearthed at Göbeklitepe. These pillars are decorated with reliefs depicting animal figures such as lions, boars, bulls, and scorpions. The circular arrangement of the pillars and their covering with soil indicate that Göbeklitepe was a temple complex.
The Significance of Göbeklitepe
The discovery of Göbeklitepe has significantly pushed back the known beginning of human history. This discovery shows that humans had complex belief systems and the ability to construct monumental structures even before the advent of agriculture and settled life. Göbeklitepe is of great importance for the social and cultural evolution of humanity.
Information for Tourists
Göbeklitepe was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018. Visited by thousands of tourists every year, Göbeklitepe is one of the most important tourist attractions in Şanlıurfa. Visitors can explore the on-site museum, see the excavation areas, and examine the megalithic stone pillars.
The Mystery of Göbeklitepe
Hidden in the northeastern corner of Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe stands as one of the greatest mysteries of human history. Dating back to 9600-8000 BCE, this archaeological site houses the oldest known temple complex, proving that humans possessed complex belief systems even before settling down.
Mysterious Questions
The exact methods of Göbeklitepe’s construction, its users, and its purpose remain shrouded in mystery. Archaeological findings suggest that the people who came here were hunter-gatherer societies, and that agriculture had not yet developed in the region at that time. This further deepens the mystery surrounding how Göbeklitepe was built and the purpose of such a large temple complex.
Göbeklitepe Entrance Fee for Foreigners
As of 2023, the entrance fee for foreigners to Göbeklitepe is 20 €.
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