Göbekli Tepe: The Zero Point of History

Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site located in the southeast of Turkey, near the city of Şanlıurfa. It is considered to be the world's oldest temple, dating back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period, around 12,000 years ago. The site consists of a series of circular and oval structures, made of stone pillars carved with various animal and abstract motifs. The pillars are arranged in a ring, with two larger pillars in the center. The site is believed to be a cult center, where hunter-gatherer groups gathered for ritual and ceremonial activities.


The discovery of Göbekli Tepe has challenged many assumptions about the origins of civilization and religion. It shows that complex architecture and symbolic expression existed before the development of agriculture and sedentary life. It also suggests that religion may have been a driving force for social organization and cooperation, rather than a consequence of it. Göbekli Tepe is a unique and remarkable example of human creativity and ingenuity, as well as a testimony of the ancient belief systems and worldviews.

Göbekli Tepe was first noticed in 1963, during a survey conducted by Istanbul and Chicago universities. However, its true significance was not recognized until 1994, when German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt started excavations at the site. Since then, more than 200 pillars have been uncovered, in 20 different structures. The site is still not fully excavated, and many mysteries remain about its function, meaning and chronology. Göbekli Tepe was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, as a cultural property of outstanding universal value.

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