CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION: GOBEKLITEPE/SANLIURFA
Gobeklitepe, located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Sanlıurfa, is known as an important archaeological site among the oldest known temple complexes in the world. This area has a rich history filled with discoveries that have reshaped human history.
One of the most remarkable features of Gobeklitepe is its dating back to the Neolithic period, making it the oldest known temple complex built during this time. Dating back to approximately 10,000-8,000 BCE, Gobeklitepe provides crucial clues to understanding the religious and cultural developments during the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities.
The structures at Gobeklitepe are arranged in large circles made of standing stones, containing details that astonish the scientific community. The reliefs, animal figures, and symbols carved into these structures help us understand how people of that era perceived the world and their social structures and belief systems.
The discovery of Gobeklitepe is considered a groundbreaking find in the fields of archaeology and anthropology. This site plays a critical role in understanding the evolutionary process of human history and cultural development. Furthermore, the discovery of Gobeklitepe has demonstrated that ancient societies were capable of forming complex communities and had advanced social structures beyond previous beliefs.
Gobeklitepe is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains a globally renowned archaeological site continuously studied by researchers. This ancient complex not only offers visitors an impressive journey into the origins and past of humanity but also continues to provide new discoveries and insights to the scientific community.