The UNESCO World Heritage site of Göbeklitepe has changed the way historians and archaeologists think about the cradle of civilisation. And there is so much more to be discovered.
The city of Şanlıurfa, in Türkiye's south-eastern region of Anatolia, holds great significance not only for the Turkish people but for all of humanity.
Astonishing archaeological sites at Taş Tepeler, or 'Stone Hills’, have been unearthed in the rugged stone hills surrounding the city.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Göbeklitepe is one such place that has changed the way historians and archaeologists think about the cradle of civilisation.
Excavations began here in the mid-1990s and what was found is believed to be the oldest human-made place of worship ever discovered. Marked by layers of carved megaliths, it is estimated to date from about 10,000 BC, preceding Stonehenge by 6,000 years.
With its T-shaped limestone pillars – sculpted with images of wild animals, abstract characters and icons – the temple shines new light into the way of life and the beliefs of people living in Upper Mesopotamia.
“Up until now, we had assumed that agriculture was at the forefront of humanity's transition to settled life," explained tour guide Merve Ofluoğlu.
"However, when we examine the existence of life in Göbeklitepe, we cannot see a transition to agriculture. That came a little later. Although they were a hunter-gatherer society, they built these structures in line with their beliefs”.
Only 5% of Göbeklitepe has been excavated so far, and similar sites can be found just around the corner.
Karahantepe: The 'little sister'
Karahantepe, dubbed Göbeklitepe's“little sister”, may date back even further. Various structures and more than 260 T-shaped obelisks were found at the site, along with something resembling a 'cult room', with 11 pillars and a mysterious carved human head.
Everything found in Karahantepe and the sites around is on exhibit at the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum - another must-see for all visitors.
The museum’s director and former excavation leader at Göbeklitepe, Celal Uludağ, explains why Karahantepe could provide us with more pieces to try to complete the puzzle of mankind.
With about 30,000 square metres to explore, the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum has 5,000 artefacts on display, including the Balıklıgöl Statue (a.k.a Urfa Man) - the oldest human-form statue in the world - which was found just around the corner.
“The new artworks that are uncovered as a result of these excavations will also be made ready to take their place in the exhibition”, Uludağ said.
'The Pool of the Sacred Fish'
Visitors arriving in Şanlıurfa should also be sure not to miss one of its most popular sights, Balıklıgöl, or 'The Pool of the Sacred Fish', which is linked to a legend about the Prophet Abraham.
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