Göbeklitepe

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20 Jan 2024

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A Tale of Göbeklitepe

Revealing a structure that dates back to 10,000 BCE, Göbeklitepe is considered the oldest and largest worship center in history. Since its discovery, Göbeklitepe has attracted significant attention from both local and foreign archaeologists, unveiling the mysterious realities of ancient history.
Göbeklitepe prompts a reevaluation of all research and known facts about human history, while also suggesting the need to rewrite the established understanding of settled history and the history of religions. Here is the mysterious story of the temples, covered by people about 1,000 years after their construction.

What is the Story of Göbeklitepe?

Initiated under the leadership of German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt, excavation efforts have revealed that Göbeklitepe was constructed approximately 7,500 years before the Egyptian pyramids. Discoveries of symbols, drawings, stones, sculptures, and three-dimensional carvings during the excavations have captured the attention of renowned archaeologists worldwide. Every development and newly found symbol during the extensive excavation work has resonated significantly in the global archaeological community and scientific journals.

How was Göbeklitepe Discovered?

The area attracted attention when a farmer, tending to his field in 1983, reported an engraved stone he found underground to authorities. However, due to the limited importance given to the region at that time, the true value of the findings was only realized much later. Excavation works initiated by the Şanlıurfa Museum Directorate in 1995, initially perceived as routine, gradually led to the discovery of crucial evidence reshaping our understanding of human history.

Located near the Örencik Village, affiliated with Şanlıurfa in Turkey, Göbeklitepe is situated about 20 km away from the city center. Transportation to this historical site is possible via taxi or minibuses, and visitors show great interest in the area. It is advisable to plan your visit in advance, especially during official holidays or other periods of potential congestion.

The Mystery of Göbeklitepe

Comprising stacked stones and giant pillars, Göbeklitepe consists of a total of 20 "T"-shaped columns built for religious purposes. These columns, ranging in height from 3 to 6 meters, bear depictions of human and animal figures. As one of the oldest known temples, Göbeklitepe serves as evidence of the ancient origins of hunter-gatherer societies. However, the mystery persists as to how such a large structure was built during a time when there were no wheeled vehicles or other construction tools. The animal figures on the erected stones suggest the utilization of animal strength during the construction of the temple.

Life at Göbeklitepe

Professor Dr. Klaus Schmidt, who led excavation efforts at Göbeklitepe for years until his passing in 2014, shared insights into daily life at Göbeklitepe. According to him,

 ''The findings indicated that people in the Neolithic period, including wild boar, scorpions, foxes, snakes, lions, wild donkeys, wild ducks, and wild plants. They were unable to domesticate these animals. The carvings and reliefs on the standing stones (stelae) also provide insights into the art of the people living in that era.''

Göbeklitepe stands out as the world's largest known temple.

Interesting Facts About Göbeklitepe

Göbeklitepe is 7,000 years older than Stonehenge in England and 7,500 years older than the Egyptian pyramids.
Research in the region has revealed that the ancestor of the important cereal crop, wheat, first grew in the vicinity of Göbeklitepe, boasting hundreds of genetic variations.
Based on the findings, Klaus Schmidt concluded that early humans began farming not for bread but for beer, and this transition occurred for the first time in Urfa.
Archaeologists emphasize that the floors of the temple ruins were specifically constructed to be impermeable to liquids, suggesting ceremonies involving some form of liquid (blood, water, alcohol, etc.).
The excavated area so far indicates that none of the structures were residences but rather a region built for monumental purposes.
Apart from architectural findings, the most prominent discoveries are stone tools, almost all of which are made of flint.
The carved human figures on the standing stones at Göbeklitepe, along with the symbolic storytelling style in paintings and reliefs, are particularly intriguing, indicating the aesthetic understanding and high consciousness of people during that period.