Göbeklitepe sheds light on the early phases of the Neolithic period (9600-7500 BC) with its ancient and remarkable architectural complex. Located in southeastern Turkey, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Şanlıurfa, this archaeological site sits atop the Germuş Mountains, featuring monumental T-shaped stone pillars and structures. Alongside similar settlements in the Taş Tepeler region, Göbeklitepe helps us understand the social and cultural structure of this era.
The Discovery Journey of Göbeklitepe
The archaeological significance of Göbeklitepe was first recognized during surface surveys conducted by Istanbul and Chicago Universities in the 1960s. Flint artifacts scattered across the surface were the first signs that the area belonged to the Neolithic Age. However, the monumental architecture and T-shaped limestone pillars were not discovered until excavations began in 1995. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Harald Hauptmann and Klaus Schmidt from the German Archaeological Institute and the Şanlıurfa Museum, Göbeklitepe's importance to world history was revealed. These excavations continued under the direction of Klaus Schmidt until 2014. Since 2019, Professor Dr. Necmi Karul from Istanbul University's Department of Prehistoric Archaeology has been leading the excavations at Göbeklitepe.
Göbeklitepe: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Göbeklitepe was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. This recognition came after the completion of two protective shelters, and in 2019, the Turkish Ministry of Culture declared it the "Year of Göbeklitepe." This designation brought worldwide attention to Göbeklitepe and the Taş Tepeler project it is part of. Since 2020, Göbeklitepe, along with Karahantepe, has been a central focus of this project.
Archaeological Research: Ritual Site or Settlement?
Initial research at Göbeklitepe focused on its monumental structures and T-shaped pillars, leading to interpretations of the site as a purely ritual center. However, recent studies suggest that it also served as a settlement. Specifically, structures without T-shaped pillars are now interpreted as domestic spaces. These findings allow for comparisons between Göbeklitepe and other early Neolithic settlements in Upper Mesopotamia.
Interdisciplinary Scientific Project
Fieldwork at Göbeklitepe is carried out in collaboration with the German Archaeological Institute, Istanbul University, and the Şanlıurfa Museum. The research is part of the "Prehistoric Societies and Subsistence Strategies in Upper Mesopotamia" project, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). This extensive project focuses on the origins of early monumental architecture, food production, subsistence strategies, and social hierarchies. It also adopts an interdisciplinary approach to understanding prehistoric belief systems.
International Collaboration and Cultural Support
Excavations at Göbeklitepe are conducted with the support and permission of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in partnership with the German Archaeological Institute's Orient and Istanbul Departments, Istanbul University, and the Şanlıurfa Museum. As of 2021, these efforts continue under the Taş Tepeler project, aiming to preserve and promote Göbeklitepe's unique role in world history.
Göbeklitepe is not just an excavation site for history enthusiasts and archaeologists; it is an opportunity to understand the origins of humanity. This ancient settlement uncovers secrets buried deep in the past, offering a fresh perspective on how the Neolithic era shaped human civilizati
