HEAD OF BUZZARD

Limestone, missing and broken from the neck down, carved to have a prominent beak and eyes. (32 cm x 21 cm x 13 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

HEAD OF LION STATUETTE

Broken and incomplete head of a lion made of limestone. The mouth is open, with the lips and teeth prominently suggesting savagery. The whiskers have been shown as carved lines. (Length: 11.2 cm, Width: 8.1 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

BULL STATUETTE

Made of limestone, a rectangular mass, with feet and ribs clearly visible. The legs made more prominent in the upper torso in a T form. (Length: 68 cm, Width: 23.5 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

PIG STATUETTE

A pig figure roughly shaped from limestone, with ears and eye sockets prominent. (Length: 8.9 cm, Height: 5.5 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

PIG STATUETTE

A pig statue broken from the neck, made of limestone with roughly carved out lines, except for the embossed teeth on both sides. (Length: 68 cm, Thickness: 23 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

MALE WILD BOAR STATUE

This statue was found right in front of the wild boar relief on the Göbeklitepe Temple C, 12thobelisk. The anatomic details are worth noting. The broken surface under the statue’s feet suggest that it might have been a part of a joined statue, structured like a totem, composed of a number of figures. (Length: 48 cm, Width: 28 cm, 9500 – 8800 BC)

PHALLUS

Made in the Aceramic Neolithic Period, with the lower part broken. (Length: 25 cm, Width 14 cm, Thickness: 11 cm)

STATUETTE FRAGMENT

A limestone lion figure with head and neck section intact. The mane was created by engraving, and the teeth seem to emphasize its wildness. (Length: 8.7 cm, Width: 5.3 cm, Thickness 4.4 cm, Neolithic Period)

Göbeklitepe

MORTAR HANDLE

Stone object made of basalt with a round body and cylindrical handle, used for grinding roots and plants on a stone mortar. (Length: 23 cm, Width: 13 cm, Neolithic Period)

ANIMAL STATUETTE (2)

Head of a predatory animal, made of limestone and broken off from the neck. The eye sockets, mouth and teeth were made prominent by engraving. (Length: 5.8 cm, Width: 3.9 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

ANIMAL STATUETTE (3)

Roughly engraved from limestone, animal representation with prominent ears, with legs depicted shorter than the torso. (Thickness: 2.8 cm, length 7.5 cm, Width: 4.2 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

ANIMAL STATUETTE (4)

A wild boar figurine made of limestone. The front legs were carved out as a single piece, with a hollow in the back. (6 by 4 by 2 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

ANIMAL STATUETTE (5)

Depicts a porcupine made out of green chlorite. The quills are emphasized through short lines on its back. The shape of the bottom suggests it was made to be used as a stamp seal. (Length: 3 cm, Width: 1.6 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period, 8800 – 8000 BC)

ANIMAL STATUETTE (6)

Figurine of a pig, with bodylines roughly carved from limestone. (Length: 5.6 cm, Width: 3.9 cm, Thickness: 3 cm, Neolithic Period)

ANIMAL STATUETTE

Made from limestone with coarse workmanship, it depicts the figure of a pig with prominent eye sockets. (Height: 9.7 cm, Width: 6 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

STATUE OF ANIMAL HEAD

Head of a predatory animal made of limestone, broken and missing from the neck down. Except for the teeth, suggesting ferociousness, it has been carved roughly. (Length: 26 cm, Width: 31 cm, Thickness: 13 cm, Neolithic Period)

ANIMAL STATUE (2)

Found inside the exterior peripheral wall of Temple C, this limestone statue has a long, cylindrical torso. Except for the teeth signifying the animal’s wild nature, the rest of the body has been depicted coarsely. (Length: 75 cm, Width: 29 cm, thickness: 17 cm, Neolithic Period)

ANIMAL STATUE

This is a limestone wild boar statue, with anatomic details depicted realistically. The front of the face is shown compressed and flat. The big incisor teeth in the mouth, suggesting ferociousness are especially noteworthy. (48 cm x 30 cm x14 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

FRAGMENT OF ANIMAL STATUE

A portion of an animal torso carved out of limestone. The back legs are visible, and the ribs are carved on the torso as line designs. (Length: 23 cm, Width: 16 cm, Height: 18 cm, Neolithic Period)

SCULPTURE HEAD

Head of an animal, made of limestone, with only a long neck and head and mouth depicted. (Length: 31 cm, Width: 14 cm, Thickness: 12 cm, Neolithic Period)

STATUE OF HUMAN HEAD (2)

Human head made of limestone in the shape of a triangular mask with rounded corners. The eye sockets are distinct, the nose is long and the lips are slightly pouting to suggest some movement on the face. (Length: 33 cm, Width: 19 cm, Thickness: 16.5 cm, Neolithic Period)

STATUE OF HUMAN HEAD (3)

The head portion of a human statue, made of limestone. Of a thin and long design, it is broken and missing from the neck down. The eye sockets and nose are pronounced. (Length: 22 cm, Width: 9.9 cm, Thickness: 13.6 cm, Neolithic Period)

STATUE OF HUMAN HEAD (4)

Coarsely carved out of limestone, a rectangular shape with rounded corners, this statue depicts a mask-style human head. The eyebrow arches and nose are raised, with the mouth not too prominent. (Height: 28 cm, Width: 18 cm, Neolithic Period)

STATUE OF HUMAN HEAD

The head portion of a human statue, almost to scale. Though the eye orifices and nose have suffered damage, the limestone statue is still distinctive. While all sensory organs on the face were depicted, because of damage from the chin area down, it is unclear whether the mouth was carved out or not. These human heads were deliberately placed under the central columns before the structure was buried. (Length: 23 cm, Width: 26 cm, Neolithic Period)

HUMAN HEAD STATUE

Made of limestone, the embossed nose begins roughly along the lines of the roughly formed eye sockets, with no mouth depicted. (Height: 16 cm, Width: 23 cm, Thickness: 23 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

HUMAN STATUETTE

The red limestone figurine is missing its head portion. The hands are folded at the chest in a position of prayer. The carving beginning under the hands continues down to the feet, forming the legs. The hip area is accentuated with small grooves. (Length: 3.1 cm, Thickness: 1.5 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period, 8800 – 8000 BC)

HUMAN STATUE (2)

Depicting a limestone human torso with its head portion broken and missing. The torso is rectangular and conic, with arms hinted at with slight embossments, engraved simply and with no detail. The torso’s conic-ending lower portion was probably fitted into a pedestal. (Height: 22 cm, Length: 40 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

HUMAN STATUE (3)

Carved from limestone, male figure lacking arms and a lower body. The face has been carved out and the male organ is emphasized.

HUMAN STATUE (4)

The head and torso of a human sculpture found as two pieces made of limestone, conic-shaped, narrowing towards the bottom. The face is sketched roughly, with the teeth carved out to be more prominent. The jewelry around the neck and the different positioning of arms alongside the torso are noteworthy. The bottom being conic-shaped suggests it was secured to a pedestal. (Length: 60 cm, Width: 19 cm, Neolithic Period)

HUMAN STATUE (5)

The relief-style arms depicted on the sides suggest it is a stylized human figure. (Length: 54 cm, Width: 21 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

HUMAN STATUE

Constructed of limestone, the body is singularly carved in a conic form from the neck down. The hair and face are distinguishable. Because of its conic form, it can be assumed that it was made to be placed inside a pedestal. The arms are shaped from the sides to meet at the front, suggesting movement. (66 cm x 15 cm x 16 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

FRAGMENT OF HUMAN STATUE

Roughly made of limestone material, lacking proportion, probably a piece of the neck and head section of an unfinished human sculpture. A vaguely carved rectangular head sits atop a thick and long neck section. (Length: 46 cm, Width: 18 cm, Thickness: 26 cm, Neolithic Period)

SCENE OF WOMAN GIVING BIRTH

Located at the Göbeklitepe Temple E, this carving on a limestone paving stone depicts a half-naked woman. The body stance, movement of the arms and nudity most likely refer to a birthing scene. It is significant as the first instance of a woman being portrayed, with no other such examples, as the Göbeklitepe Neolithic typically includes depictions of men. (Length: 55 cm, Width: 49.5 cm, Thickness 12 cm. 8800-8000 BC)

BONE SPATULA

Recovered broken and with missing pieces, the long and thin plaque has two T-stelas imprinted on it with lines etched inside them. (Length: 5.3 cm, Width: 1.9 cm, Thickness: 0.3 cm, Neolithic Period)

BIRD-HEAD STATUETTE

Made from red limestone material, this is a miniature buzzard figurine with a prominent head and hook-shaped beak. The protrusions continuing under the head form the wings. The surface has been polished and preserved well. (Length: 4.2 cm, Width: 1.27 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period, 8800- 8000 BC)

BIRD STATUETTE

Carved out roughly from limestone, the statue is a complete work with an oval base. Although the details are unclear, only the wings and head sections seem to have been carved out. (Length: 34 cm, Width: 38 cm, Thickness: 20 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

LEOPARD HEAD

Made of limestone, with all organs carved out skillfully, especially emphasizing the ferociousness of the mouth through the teeth. The whiskers above the mouth and the pupils are significant details. (Length: 34 cm, Width: 20 cm, Thickness: 18 cm, Neolithic Period)

MINIATURE STONE VESSEL

Shaped into a vessel by carving out a limestone ball-form, the exterior of the object was made by etching crisscrossing line designs. (Length: 1.9 cm, Width: 1.9 cm, Thickness: 0.8 cm, Neolithic Period)

MINIATURE T-SHAPED OBELISK

This is a miniature of the T stelas that constitute the Göbeklitepe temples. The line dividing the head from the torso of this human shaped figure is accentuated. Part of the findings that constituted a model for the construction of the Göbeklitepe temples. (Length: 34 cm, Width: 15 cm, Thickness: 7.5 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

GRINDING STONE (3)

Oval shaped, basalt, bottom-side grinding stone.(Length: 39 cm, Width: 28 cm, Neolithic Period)

GRINDING STONE

Used for grinding grains like wheat and barley, it is a basalt grinding stone with a hollow center. Flour was made by grinding between two basalt stones during the Neolithic era. (Length: 33 cm, Width: 28 cm, Thickness: 12 cm, Neolithic Period)

GROOVED SHARPENING STONE

The stone was used to make the surfaces of tools sharper. Made from nephrite, it was created by polishing the sides of a broken vessel, with intersecting sharpening grooves surrounded by decorative lines. (Length: 6.6 cm, Width: 2.7 cm, Thickness: 1.5 cm, Neolithic Period)

MAN CARRYING PANTHER ON BACK

Chlorite statuette of a human carrying a panther on its back, with holes in the foot area. (Length: 5.1 cm, Width: 2.3 cm, Thickness: 2.7 cm. Neolithic Period)

STONE STAFF – IDOL

Similar objects to this gray-black nephrite T-shaped tool carved out to be hand-held were found at the Hallançemi and Körtiktepe excavations. The cross section alongside its length and its head are shaped like triangles lengthening equally left and right as well as upwards. It is thought to be a ritualistic object rather than one that would be used for daily purposes.

STONE BEAD

With threading holes on both sides, the black rectangular stone bead measures 4.8 cm tall and 1 cm wide. It belongs to the Aceramic Neolithic Period.

STONE VESSEL (2)

A deep, oval, tub-style limestone kitchen bowl. (Length: 17 cm, Width: 30 cm, Thickness: 3 cm, Neolithic Period)

STONE VESSEL (3)

Shaped from limestone, a deep, bowl-type vessel. (Length: 25 cm, Width: 22.5 cm, Thickness: 11.5 cm, Neolithic Period)

STONE BOWL

A shallow and oval-shaped vessel made of limestone, with the whole surface polished. (Length: 19 cm, Width: 18 cm, Thickness: 3.1cm. Neolithic Period)

STONE VESSEL SEGMENT (2)

This piece of vessel recovered is made of grayish black nephrite, etched with combed triangle designs and a band along the opening. The figure of a slithering triangle-headed snake was added through the inside section of this band. The holes made for strings along the mouthpiece and a little below are presumed to be there to help secure the covering. This is a segment from a vessel made during the Neolithic Period, measuring 5.6 cm in length, 5.7 cm in width and 1 cm thick.

STONE VESSEL FRAGMENT (3)

A large portion of this vessel made of greyish black nephrite is missing. The surface is covered with embossed waves of snake motifs and lines, created by engraving. (Length: 9. 7 cm, Width: 10.9 cm, Thickness: 1.5 cm, Neolithic Period)

STONE VESSEL SEGMENT

Constructed from greenish black nephrite, this piece from a pot depicts a mountain goat created by etching with sharp edged tools made of flintstone. It possibly forms the body of the vessel, while zigzags shaped like a saw formed its opening. In similar examples, such vessels display oval, straight-bottom and open-mouthed formations. This group of findings belongs to the time from the Epipaleolithic Period of the Fertile Crescent. The excavation presents clues to the fact that decorated vessels were not only used as containers for safekeeping, but may especially have been used during rituals, judging by the symbolic figures found on them. The 6.3 cm long, 5.2 cm wide and 1.4 cm thick piece was a product of the Neolithic Period.

STONE PLATE (2)

Using an engraving technique, two snake figures and V motifs in the middle were carved on to a nephrite stone. The 4.4 cm long, 3.7 cm wide and 1.1 cm thick piece was created during the Neolithic Period.

STONE TABLET

Constructed from green chlorite, the tablet is oval-shaped, with decorations on one of the flat sides. Alongside the snake, a common motif found in Göbeklitepe stelas, arrow and bird designs were engraved on the surface. The first examples of this type of tablet were found in Syria, in Jerf el-Ahmar, along the banks of the Euphrates. They are thought to be the first references to a signaling system used by early Neolithic peoples. (Length: 4 cm, Width: 2.7 cm, Thickness: 0.7 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period, 8800-8000 BC)

TOTEM (2)

A broken lion statue with missing pieces. Made of limestone, it has the faded face of a human. The whiskers above the mouth, and the mouth and teeth created by carving accentuate the savagery. (Height: 45 cm, Width: 24.5 cm, Neolithic Period)

TOTEM (3)

A composite limestone representation of a human head and buzzard figure, broken and missing half. (Height: 34 cm, Width: 17 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

TOTEM

A totem composed of limestone, depicting multiple stories and figures, with an integrated composition. Although the face portion of the head segment is disfigured, it belongs to a wild animal. We see the arms curving from the sides to meet in the front, right above the arms of another figure joined in the front, under which a human figure with visible head and arms reaches forward, holding on to a libation vessel. The sides show snakes undulating upwards. (Length: 188 cm, Width: 35 cm, Thickness: 38 cm, 9500 – 8500 BC)

WILD BOAR HEAD

Head of a limestone boar, broken and missing from the neck down. Discovered at the residual fillings at Temple C, in front of obelisk number 24. While the teeth and ears are distinguishable, it has been carved and shaped coarsely. (length: 53 cm, Width: 18 cm, Height: 25 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period, 9500-8800 BC)

WILD BOAR FIGURINE

A lump of reddish, shelled flintstone, shaped roughly with no detailing. (Length: 16 cm, Width: 9 cm, Height: 5 cm, 9500-8000 BC)

WILD BOAR STATUE

Made of limestone, with a form that narrows towards the bottom, a boar statue that brings out the wildness and ferociousness through its details. The front legs, shoulders, back and ribs stand out on the torso. (44 cm x 96 cm x 28 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

HEAD OF PREDATORY ANIMAL

Animal head, possibly of a wolf or dog, made of limestone, broken off from the head, menacingly baring its teeth. (Length: 32 cm, Width: 21 cm, Height: 15 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

HEAD OF PREDATORY ANIMAL (2)

Limestone, with head and front torso engraved. (9500-8800 BC)

OBELISK WITH STATUE OF PREDATORY ANIMAL

Large predatory animal on a pedestal-like base, with a human head caught in its claws. (Height: 120 cm, Width: 65 cm, 8800-8000 BC)

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VIDEOS

Göbeklitepe Ziyaretçileri İçin Hazırlanıyor

GÖBEKLITEPE - Zero Point In Time

Göbeklitepe Zero Point in Time Launch, WEF 2016, Davos

Göbeklitepe - WEF Betazone Session Prof. Mehmet Özdoğan Presentation January, 2016

PHOTOS
HEAD OF BUZZARD

HEAD OF BUZZARD

Limestone, missing and broken from the neck down, carved to have a prominent beak and eyes. (32 cm x 21 cm x 13 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
HEAD OF LION STATUETTE

HEAD OF LION STATUETTE

Broken and incomplete head of a lion made of limestone. The mouth is open, with the lips and teeth prominently suggesting savagery. The whiskers have been shown as carved lines. (Length: 11.2 cm, Width: 8.1 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
BULL STATUETTE

BULL STATUETTE

Made of limestone, a rectangular mass, with feet and ribs clearly visible. The legs made more prominent in the upper torso in a T form. (Length: 68 cm, Width: 23.5 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
PIG STATUETTE

PIG STATUETTE

A pig figure roughly shaped from limestone, with ears and eye sockets prominent. (Length: 8.9 cm, Height: 5.5 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
PIG STATUETTE

PIG STATUETTE

A pig statue broken from the neck, made of limestone with roughly carved out lines, except for the embossed teeth on both sides. (Length: 68 cm, Thickness: 23 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
12th Superscript

MALE WILD BOAR STATUE

This statue was found right in front of the wild boar relief on the Göbeklitepe Temple C, 12th obelisk. The anatomic details are worth noting. The broken surface under the statue’s feet suggest that it might have been a part of a joined statue, structured like a totem, composed of a number of figures. (Length: 48 cm, Width: 28 cm, 9500 – 8800 BC)

More Detail
PHALLUS

PHALLUS

Made in the Aceramic Neolithic Period, with the lower part broken. (Length: 25 cm, Width 14 cm, Thickness: 11 cm)

More Detail
STATUETTE FRAGMENT

STATUETTE FRAGMENT

A limestone lion figure with head and neck section intact. The mane was created by engraving, and the teeth seem to emphasize its wildness. (Length: 8.7 cm, Width: 5.3 cm, Thickness 4.4 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
MORTAR HANDLE

MORTAR HANDLE

Stone object made of basalt with a round body and cylindrical handle, used for grinding roots and plants on a stone mortar. (Length: 23 cm, Width: 13 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
ANIMAL STATUETTE (2)

ANIMAL STATUETTE (2)

Head of a predatory animal, made of limestone and broken off from the neck. The eye sockets, mouth and teeth were made prominent by engraving. (Length: 5.8 cm, Width: 3.9 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
ANIMAL STATUETTE (3)

ANIMAL STATUETTE (3)

Roughly engraved from limestone, animal representation with prominent ears, with legs depicted shorter than the torso. (Thickness: 2.8 cm, Length 7.5 cm, Width: 4.2 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
ANIMAL STATUETTE (4)

ANIMAL STATUETTE (4)

A wild boar figurine made of limestone. The front legs were carved out as a single piece, with a hollow in the back. (6 by 4 by 2 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
ANIMAL STATUETTE (5)

ANIMAL STATUETTE (5)

Depicts a porcupine made out of green chlorite. The quills are emphasized through short lines on its back. The shape of the bottom suggests it was made to be used as a stamp seal. (Length: 3 cm, Width: 1.6 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period, 8800 – 8000 BC)

More Detail
ANIMAL STATUETTE (6)

ANIMAL STATUETTE (6)

Figurine of a pig, with bodylines roughly carved from limestone. (Length: 5.6 cm, Width: 3.9 cm, Thickness: 3 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
ANIMAL STATUETTE

ANIMAL STATUETTE

Made from limestone with coarse workmanship, it depicts the figure of a pig with prominent eye sockets. (Height: 9.7 cm, Width: 6 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
STATUE OF ANIMAL HEAD

STATUE OF ANIMAL HEAD

Head of a predatory animal made of limestone, broken and missing from the neck down. Except for the teeth, suggesting ferociousness, it has been carved roughly. (Length: 26 cm, Width: 31 cm, Thickness: 13 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
ANIMAL STATUE (2)

ANIMAL STATUE (2)

Found inside the exterior peripheral wall of Temple C, this limestone statue has a long, cylindrical torso. Except for the teeth signifying the animal’s wild nature, the rest of the body has been depicted coarsely. (Length: 75 cm, Width: 29 cm, Thickness: 17 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
ANIMAL STATUE

ANIMAL STATUE

This is a limestone wild boar statue, with anatomic details depicted realistically. The front of the face is shown compressed and flat. The big incisor teeth in the mouth, suggesting ferociousness are especially noteworthy. (48 cm x 30 cm x14 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
FRAGMENT OF ANIMAL STATUE

FRAGMENT OF ANIMAL STATUE

A portion of an animal torso carved out of limestone. The back legs are visible, and the ribs are carved on the torso as line designs. (Length: 23 cm, Width: 16 cm, Height: 18 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
SCULPTURE HEAD

SCULPTURE HEAD

Head of an animal, made of limestone, with only a long neck and head and mouth depicted. (Length: 31 cm, Width: 14 cm, Thickness: 12 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
STATUE OF HUMAN HEAD (2)

STATUE OF HUMAN HEAD (2)

Human head made of limestone in the shape of a triangular mask with rounded corners. The eye sockets are distinct, the nose is long and the lips are slightly pouting to suggest some movement on the face. (Length: 33 cm, Width: 19 cm, Thickness: 16.5 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
STATUE OF HUMAN HEAD (3)

STATUE OF HUMAN HEAD (3)

The head portion of a human statue, made of limestone. Of a thin and long design, it is broken and missing from the neck down. The eye sockets and nose are pronounced. (Length: 22 cm, Width: 9.9 cm, Thickness: 13.6 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
STATUE OF HUMAN HEAD (4)

STATUE OF HUMAN HEAD (4)

Coarsely carved out of limestone, a rectangular shape with rounded corners, this statue depicts a mask-style human head. The eyebrow arches and nose are raised, with the mouth not too prominent. (Height: 28 cm, Width: 18 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
STATUE OF HUMAN HEAD

STATUE OF HUMAN HEAD

The head portion of a human statue, almost to scale. Though the eye orifices and nose have suffered damage, the limestone statue is still distinctive. While all sensory organs on the face were depicted, because of damage from the chin area down, it is unclear whether the mouth was carved out or not. These human heads were deliberately placed under the central columns before the structure was buried. (Length: 23 cm, Width: 26 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
HUMAN HEAD STATUE

HUMAN HEAD STATUE

Made of limestone, the embossed nose begins roughly along the lines of the roughly formed eye sockets, with no mouth depicted. (Height: 16 cm, Width: 23 cm, Thickness: 23 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
HUMAN STATUETTE

HUMAN STATUETTE

The red limestone figurine is missing its head portion. The hands are folded at the chest in a position of prayer. The carving beginning under the hands continues down to the feet, forming the legs. The hip area is accentuated with small grooves. (Length: 3.1 cm, Thickness: 1.5 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period, 8800 – 8000 BC)

More Detail
HUMAN STATUE (2)

HUMAN STATUE (2)

Depicting a limestone human torso with its head portion broken and missing. The torso is rectangular and conic, with arms hinted at with slight embossments, engraved simply and with no detail. The torso’s conic-ending lower portion was probably fitted into a pedestal. (Height: 22 cm, Length: 40 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
HUMAN STATUE (3)

HUMAN STATUE (3)

Carved from limestone, male figure lacking arms and a lower body. The face has been carved out and the male organ is emphasized.

More Detail
HUMAN STATUE (4)

HUMAN STATUE (4)

The head and torso of a human sculpture found as two pieces made of limestone, conic-shaped, narrowing towards the bottom. The face is sketched roughly, with the teeth carved out to be more prominent. The jewelry around the neck and the different positioning of arms alongside the torso are noteworthy. The bottom being conic-shaped suggests it was secured to a pedestal. (Length: 60 cm, Width: 19 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
HUMAN STATUE (5)

HUMAN STATUE (5)

The relief-style arms depicted on the sides suggest it is a stylized human figure. (Length: 54 cm, Width: 21 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
HUMAN STATUE

HUMAN STATUE

Constructed of limestone, the body is singularly carved in a conic form from the neck down. The hair and face are distinguishable. Because of its conic form, it can be assumed that it was made to be placed inside a pedestal. The arms are shaped from the sides to meet at the front, suggesting movement. (66 cm x 15 cm x 16 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
FRAGMENT OF HUMAN STATUE

FRAGMENT OF HUMAN STATUE

Roughly made of limestone material, lacking proportion, probably a piece of the neck and head section of an unfinished human sculpture. A vaguely carved rectangular head sits atop a thick and long neck section. (Length: 46 cm, Width: 18 cm, Thickness: 26 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
SCENE OF WOMAN GIVING BIRTH

SCENE OF WOMAN GIVING BIRTH

Located at the Göbeklitepe Temple E, this carving on a limestone paving stone depicts a half-naked woman. The body stance, movement of the arms and nudity most likely refer to a birthing scene. It is significant as the first instance of a woman being portrayed, with no other such examples, as the Göbeklitepe Neolithic typically includes depictions of men. (Length: 55 cm, Width: 49.5 cm, Thickness 12 cm. 8800-8000 BC)

More Detail
BONE SPATULA

BONE SPATULA

Recovered broken and with missing pieces, the long and thin plaque has two T-stelas imprinted on it with lines etched inside them. (Length: 5.3 cm, Width: 1.9 cm, Thickness: 0.3 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
BIRD-HEAD STATUETTE

BIRD-HEAD STATUETTE

Made from red limestone material, this is a miniature buzzard figurine with a prominent head and hook-shaped beak. The protrusions continuing under the head form the wings. The surface has been polished and preserved well. (Length: 4.2 cm, Width: 1.27 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period, 8800- 8000 BC)

More Detail
BIRD STATUETTE

BIRD STATUETTE

Carved out roughly from limestone, the statue is a complete work with an oval base. Although the details are unclear, only the wings and head sections seem to have been carved out. (Length: 34 cm, Width: 38 cm, Thickness: 20 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
LEOPARD HEAD

LEOPARD HEAD

Made of limestone, with all organs carved out skillfully, especially emphasizing the ferociousness of the mouth through the teeth. The whiskers above the mouth and the pupils are significant details. (Length: 34 cm, Width: 20 cm, Thickness: 18 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
MINIATURE STONE VESSEL

MINIATURE STONE VESSEL

Shaped into a vessel by carving out a limestone ball-form, the exterior of the object was made by etching crisscrossing line designs. (Length: 1.9 cm, Width: 1.9 cm, Thickness: 0.8 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
MINIATURE T-SHAPED OBELISK

MINIATURE T-SHAPED OBELISK

This is a miniature of the T stelas that constitute the Göbeklitepe temples. The line dividing the head from the torso of this human shaped figure is accentuated. Part of the findings that constituted a model for the construction of the Göbeklitepe temples. (Length: 34 cm, Width: 15 cm, Thickness: 7.5 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
GRINDING STONE (3)

GRINDING STONE (3)

Oval shaped, basalt, bottom-side grinding stone. (Length: 39 cm, Width: 28 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
GRINDING STONE

GRINDING STONE

Used for grinding grains like wheat and barley, it is a basalt grinding stone with a hollow center. Flour was made by grinding between two basalt stones during the Neolithic era. (Length: 33 cm, Width: 28 cm, Thickness: 12 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
GROOVED SHARPENING STONE

GROOVED SHARPENING STONE

The stone was used to make the surfaces of tools sharper. Made from nephrite, it was created by polishing the sides of a broken vessel, with intersecting sharpening grooves surrounded by decorative lines. (Length: 6.6 cm, Width: 2.7 cm, Thickness: 1.5 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
MAN CARRYING PANTHER ON BACK

MAN CARRYING PANTHER ON BACK

Chlorite statuette of a human carrying a panther on its back, with holes in the foot area. (Length: 5.1 cm, Width: 2.3 cm, Thickness: 2.7 cm. Neolithic Period)

More Detail
STONE STAFF – IDOL

STONE STAFF – IDOL

Similar objects to this gray-black nephrite T-shaped tool carved out to be hand-held were found at the Hallançemi and Körtiktepe excavations. The cross section alongside its length and its head are shaped like triangles lengthening equally left and right as well as upwards. It is thought to be a ritualistic object rather than one that would be used for daily purposes.

More Detail
STONE BEAD

STONE BEAD

With threading holes on both sides, the black rectangular stone bead measures 4.8 cm tall and 1 cm wide. It belongs to the Aceramic Neolithic Period.

More Detail
STONE VESSEL  (2)

STONE VESSEL (2)

A deep, oval, tub-style limestone kitchen bowl. (Length: 17 cm, Width: 30 cm, Thickness: 3 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
STONE VESSEL (3)

STONE VESSEL (3)

Shaped from limestone, a deep, bowl-type vessel. (Length: 25 cm, Width: 22.5 cm, Thickness: 11.5 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
STONE BOWL

STONE BOWL

A shallow and oval-shaped vessel made of limestone, with the whole surface polished. (Length: 19 cm, Width: 18 cm, Thickness: 3.1cm. Neolithic Period)

More Detail
STONE VESSEL SEGMENT (2)

STONE VESSEL SEGMENT (2)

This piece of vessel recovered is made of grayish black nephrite, etched with combed triangle designs and a band along the opening. The figure of a slithering triangle-headed snake was added through the inside section of this band. The holes made for strings along the mouthpiece and a little below are presumed to be there to help secure the covering. This is a segment from a vessel made during the Neolithic Period, measuring 5.6 cm in length, 5.7 cm in width and 1 cm thick.

More Detail
STONE VESSEL FRAGMENT  (3)

STONE VESSEL FRAGMENT (3)

A large portion of this vessel made of greyish black nephrite is missing. The surface is covered with embossed waves of snake motifs and lines, created by engraving. (Length: 9. 7 cm, Width: 10.9 cm, Thickness: 1.5 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
STONE VESSEL SEGMENT

STONE VESSEL SEGMENT

Constructed from greenish black nephrite, this piece from a pot depicts a mountain goat created by etching with sharp edged tools made of flintstone. It possibly forms the body of the vessel, while zigzags shaped like a saw formed its opening. In similar examples, such vessels display oval, straight-bottom and open-mouthed formations. This group of findings belongs to the time from the Epipaleolithic Period of the Fertile Crescent. The excavation presents clues to the fact that decorated vessels were not only used as containers for safekeeping, but may especially have been used during rituals, judging by the symbolic figures found on them. The 6.3 cm long, 5.2 cm wide and 1.4 cm thick piece was a product of the Neolithic Period.

More Detail
STONE PLATE (2)

STONE PLATE (2)

Using an engraving technique, two snake figures and V motifs in the middle were carved on to a nephrite stone. The 4.4 cm long, 3.7 cm wide and 1.1 cm thick piece was created during the Neolithic Period.

More Detail
STONE TABLET

STONE TABLET

Constructed from green chlorite, the tablet is oval-shaped, with decorations on one of the flat sides. Alongside the snake, a common motif found in Göbeklitepe stelas, arrow and bird designs were engraved on the surface. The first examples of this type of tablet were found in Syria, in Jerf el-Ahmar, along the banks of the Euphrates. They are thought to be the first references to a signaling system used by early Neolithic peoples. (Length: 4 cm, Width: 2.7 cm, Thickness: 0.7 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period, 8800-8000 BC)

More Detail
TOTEM (2)

TOTEM (2)

A broken lion statue with missing pieces. Made of limestone, it has the faded face of a human. The whiskers above the mouth, and the mouth and teeth created by carving accentuate the savagery. (Height: 45 cm, Width: 24.5 cm, Neolithic Period)

More Detail
TOTEM (3)

TOTEM (3)

A composite limestone representation of a human head and buzzard figure, broken and missing half. (Height: 34 cm, Width: 17 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
TOTEM

TOTEM

A totem composed of limestone, depicting multiple stories and figures, with an integrated composition. Although the face portion of the head segment is disfigured, it belongs to a wild animal. We see the arms curving from the sides to meet in the front, right above the arms of another figure joined in the front, under which a human figure with visible head and arms reaches forward, holding on to a libation vessel. The sides show snakes undulating upwards. (Length: 188 cm, Width: 35 cm, Thickness: 38 cm, 9500 – 8500 BC)

More Detail
WILD BOAR HEAD

WILD BOAR HEAD

Head of a limestone boar, broken and missing from the neck down. Discovered at the residual fillings at Temple C, in front of obelisk number 24. While the teeth and ears are distinguishable, it has been carved and shaped coarsely. (Length: 53 cm, Width: 18 cm, Height: 25 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period, 9500-8800 BC)

More Detail
WILD BOAR FIGURINE

WILD BOAR FIGURINE

A lump of reddish, shelled flintstone, shaped roughly with no detailing. (Length: 16 cm, Width: 9 cm, Height: 5 cm, 9500-8000 BC)

More Detail
WILD BOAR STATUE

WILD BOAR STATUE

Made of limestone, with a form that narrows towards the bottom, a boar statue that brings out the wildness and ferociousness through its details. The front legs, shoulders, back and ribs stand out on the torso. (44 cm x 96 cm x 28 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
HEAD OF PREDATORY ANIMAL

HEAD OF PREDATORY ANIMAL

Animal head, possibly of a wolf or dog, made of limestone, broken off from the head, menacingly baring its teeth. (Length: 32 cm, Width: 21 cm, Height: 15 cm, Aceramic Neolithic Period)

More Detail
HEAD OF PREDATORY ANIMAL (2)

HEAD OF PREDATORY ANIMAL (2)

Limestone, with head and front torso engraved. (9500-8800 BC)

More Detail
OBELISK WITH STATUE OF PREDATORY ANIMAL

OBELISK WITH STATUE OF PREDATORY ANIMAL

Large predatory animal on a pedestal-like base, with a human head caught in its claws. (Height: 120 cm, Width: 65 cm, 8800-8000 BC)

More Detail
Found in 1995, Structure A was brought to its present form through excavations conducted in 1996 and 1997. The main aspects of this structure bring to the foreground the T-shaped obelisks with depictions of hands and arms on their wider facades (made with a lightly raised relief technique). Because of these elements, it is possible to perceive these structures as human shaped representations. Two larger size T-shaped obelisks take center in all four circular stone structures found in the main excavation site. A web composed of snakes, a ram, bull, fox and a crane aligned on top of each other, can be seen among the raised reliefs found on the two central obelisks marked P1 and P2 in Structure A.

STRUCTURE A

After Structure A, Structure B was discovered in 1998, and excavation was done until 2002. The T-shaped center obelisks of the structure stand on a well-preserved terrazzo base. A stone container has been found placed in front of its obelisk, which only includes the embossment of a male fox figure. Also found in 1998, Structure C is the biggest known building at Göbeklitepe until now. It is composed of two circular rows of walls containing T-shaped obelisks. It was constructed directly on top of a painstakingly evened out limestone main slab. The central area of Structure C underwent considerable damage during antiquity. However the extraordinary motifs of predatory animals discovered on its obelisk, etched in a high relief pattern, have been spared this damage.

STRUCTURE B

After Structure A, Structure B was discovered in 1998, and excavation was done until 2002. The T-shaped center obelisks of the structure stand on a well-preserved terrazzo base. A stone container has been found placed in front of its obelisk, which only includes the embossment of a male fox figure. Also found in 1998, Structure C is the biggest known building at Göbeklitepe until now. It is composed of two circular rows of walls containing T-shaped obelisks. It was constructed directly on top of a painstakingly evened out limestone main slab. The central area of Structure C underwent considerable damage during antiquity. However the extraordinary motifs of predatory animals discovered on its obelisk, etched in a high relief pattern, have been spared this damage.

STRUCTURE C

Discovered in 2001, Structure D contains the most magnanimous and well-preserved temple, dated to the first phase of Göbeklitepe, from 9500 to 8500 BC. In the center of Temple D, T-shaped stele, or stone pillars, were placed with a height of 6 meters and weighing up to 30 tons. It would be safe to assume the central stele represented human beings or sacred beings in the form of humans by looking at the reliefs showing arms, hands, a belt and fox fur for clothing. The T stele of this temple reflects depictions of many animals. Although representing a wide range of wild life including boars, wild oxen, donkeys, gazelle, cranes, storks, ibis, ducks and cats. The majority of images contain snakes and foxes. Both center obelisks are depicted with images of clothing made of animal skin held with a belt.

STRUCTURE D


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GÖBEKLİTEPE

While Göbeklitepe sheds light on many of the mysteries of the history of civilization, it also introduces more enigmas that need attention. The excavations at Göbeklitepe have unearthed a mystery that will revolutionize all existing knowledge about humankind’s transition to permanent settlements.

About 11.600 years ago, one of the most compelling structures in the history of humanity was built between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers: Göbeklitepe...

With a of history 5.000 years older than the first cities of Mesopotamia - predating the famous Stonehenge in England (visited by millions of tourists) by by 6.600 years, 7.100 years senior to the Pyramids of Egypt, and 6.100 years ahead of the temples on Malta Island - the excavations at Göbeklitepe have unearthed a mystery that will revolutionize all existing knowledge on humankind’s transition to permanent settlements.

The findings point to the fact that people who lived in the area went to Göbeklitepe for worship. Its structures were not constructed for residential purposes. Göbeklitepe is a religious center from the Neolithic Age, dated to 9.600 BC; in other words, from around 11.600 years ago.

While Göbeklitepe sheds light on many of the mysteries of the history of civilization, it also introduces more enigmas that need attention. Archeological research has shown that the Göbeklitepe Neolithic Temple area was a space where people congregated periodically for worship. Some of the T-shaped monumental obelisks have been shaped to resemble humans; embossing arms, hands and clothing onto the stone. While not certain, it is assumed that the temple was buried by the same people who made use of it.

Göbeklitepe refutes the thesis that agriculture triggered people to establish settlements and progress in art and religion. The excavations point to the most radical changes in human history that began in the Near East. This shift suggests the fact that, beyond everything else that is known about history, there were humans who went from being hunter-gatherers, to becoming a society of settlers who domesticated animals, (perhaps for reasons other than what was assumed until now.)

HISTORY

ŞANLIURFA

One of the oldest human settlements along the Silk Road in Southeastern Turkey, Şanlıurfa was home to many independent states and chiefdoms throughout history. Hence becoming a cradle to many civilizations.

Şanlıurfa is an ancient city that witnessed many turning points in history. Agriculture and the first university were introduced here. Three monotheistic religions flourished in this city, and it was here that “fire did not burn Abraham.” Many multicultural elements coexist in Şanlıurfa, with its hospitable population. Throughout history, many prophets passed through, thus earning the nickname “The Prophets’ City.” However, the alluring story of Şanlıurfa’s experience with faith began long before monotheistic religions came along.

The history of Şanlıurfa goes back 18.000 years, as ascertained through excavation findings from Balıklıgöl, Nevali Çori, Göbeklitepe and across the city at large.

Having cradled many civilizations throughout its history, this city has been a meeting point of tolerance for religions, languages and cultures. Just like in its past, Şanlıurfa still carries these fundamental values to share with humanity.

EXHIBITION

The embossed figures of wild animals and plants located on the steles of Göbeklitepe
('T '- shaped obelisks) are regarded as the first examples of sculpture and plastic arts in the world. In other words, the images at Göbeklitepe are the oldest known pictorial art carved into stone.

CULTURE AND
HERITAGE

The history of civilization is being rewritten in Göbeklitepe…

Findings that will overturn existing knowledge about the shift to permanent settlements have been uncovered in the Göbeklitepe excavations. The globally accepted archeological viewpoint states that the biggest factors that led humans to shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settling, were the fear of hunger and the instinct for protection. However, Göbeklitepe challenges this approach. Taking into consideration the time period it was built in, Göbeklitepe presents proof that religious beliefs might have played a role in shifting to permanent settlements.

Among the unanswered questions are how Göbeklitepe survived to our day so well preserved, and why, a thousand years after it was built, it was completely buried under tons of soil and flint stone.

The T-shaped stones in the temples, styled to resemble human beings, weigh from 10 to 15 tons each. Archeologists have yet to discover how the columns were transported and erected at a time when only simple hand tools existed.

Another question that needs an answer is how these structures were designed approximately 11.600 years ago, during a period when humans were still hunter-gatherers, far from being settled or having begun any form of agriculture. Perhaps when all these questions find answers, the history of our planet will be rewritten.

It is still unknown who designed or constructed the temples in Göbeklitepe.

According to astrophysicist/archaeoastronomer Giulio Magli of the Polytechnic University of Milan, Göbeklitepe was constructed to follow the movement of celestial bodies and to worship them, just like the Stonehenge in England. German Archeological Institute member Jens Notroffe says “it is still debatable whether the monuments of Göbeklitepe had roofs. If there was a roof at the time, this would have made viewing stars a challenge.”

It would not be out of place to assume that Şanlıurfa, home to many Neolithic settlements, will be host to many discoveries that will shed light to some of the unsolved mysteries of our history, with Göbeklitepe foremost. This fact alone underscores the significance of archeological research to be made in Şanlıurfa, with its rich historical infrastructure.

With a complete view over Harran Plain, Göbeklitepe is a prehistoric settlement like no other. Even with as little of it having been excavated so far, it gives us priceless clues to comprehend the processes of shifting from hunting-gathering to agriculture, the domestication of animals, shaping of sacred spaces, and the birth of temple architecture and art. The physical area including Turkey has played a significant role in all phases of the history of civilization, with countless cultures settling here and leaving imprints throughout different eras of history. Especially through research done in recent years, it has been shown that Anatolia has an unprecedented place in world history. While foundations of modern civilization were laid during the Neolithic period, the astounding results of recent excavations show that the contribution of various Anatolian civilizations to this formation have been far more than previously assumed.

EXCAVATION AREA

Geomagnetic and georadar surveillance done on Göbeklitepe traced 23 circular areas used for worship, with circumferences from 20 to 30 meters, only 6 layers of which have been unearthed until now.

The archeological excavations of the extraordinary findings at Göbeklitepe point to the impression that it was a religious/sacred center for meetings. A common thread can be observed in the methodology of the temples’ construction. Surrounded by T-shaped columns with 1.4 meters thickness, and a maximum height of 6 meters, the temples have two T-shaped columns at their center, placed side by side.

Archeologists concur that these columns measuring 3 to 6 meters represent stylized humans, based on the illustrations of arms and hands seen on the T-shaped columns.

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STRUCTURE D

STRUCTURE B

STRUCTURE C

STRUCTURE A

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CENTER

The oldest temple known to mankind, Göbeklitepe dates back 11.600 years. The historic site transformed our understanding of how human society first developed after its relatively recent discovery. This unexplored archaeological treasure from the dawn of humanity will be presenting you a miraculous experience with its renewed face soon.


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GÖBEKLİTEPE

More

While Göbeklitepe sheds light on many of the mysteries of the history of civilization, it also introduces more enigmas that need attention. The excavations at Göbeklitepe have unearthed a mystery that will revolutionize all existing knowledge about humankind’s transition to permanent settlements.

ZERO POINT IN TIME

B.C. 9.600

TIMELINE

GÖBEKLİTEPE

B.C. 9.600

Unearthing findings that will enable the course of human history to be rewritten, Göbeklitepe is a center of faith dating to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic Age around 9.600 BC, or to about 11.600 years ago. It predates the famous Stonehenge in England by 6.600 years, the Egyptian Pyramids by 7.100 years and the temples on Malta by 6.100 years. Built using gigantic boulders in a period predating any tools, the designs found on these rocks also form an awe-inspiring heritage. Predicted to unearth even more findings that will shatter traditional historical knowledge, it is apparent that Göbeklitepe will continue to shock and surprise humanity as its mysteries continue to be revealed.

GGANTIJA

B.C 3.500

Ggantija Temples are the first to be built of the megalithic temple complex on Malta’s Gozo Island. With completely preserved walls and a multi-arch plan, Ggantija consists of two temples.

An excellent reference point to the art of prehistoric times, the complex structure of the Ggantija Cultural Group forms an archeological reference point to the most significant periods of the Bronze Age. How the gigantic boulders were moved here with the technology of the period still remains a mystery. The apt name “Ggantija” was given to the temples from the English word “Giant.”

The structures were built somewhere from 3.600 – 2.500 BC, and were known as the oldest freestanding monuments on the planet, until the discovery of Göbeklitepe.

Along with Malta’s other megalithic temples, Ggantija is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

STONEHENGE

B.C. 3.000

Stonehenge is currently known as one of the most mysterious prehistoric areas on the planet. Its name means “hanging rocks” in Old English, and it was built as a circular formation of rocks with horizontal top thresholds. It is estimated that Stonehenge was formed from 112 individually carved large stones, as well as countless smaller ones. Why and how the structure was erected still remains unknown. The first theories were that it was a temple. Later assumptions pointed to the possibility of its use as a calendar marker for solstice. The latest predictions are that the structure might have been a center for healing.

EGYPTIAN PYRAMIDS

B.C. 2.500

Thought to be built around 3.000 BC during the period of the Old Kingdom, the names of the Giza Pyramids came from the names of the pharaohs who had them built. They were constructed mostly as tombs for these pharaohs. Among them, the Keops, Kefren and Mikerinos Pyramids are the oldest and largest on the planet.

Boulders weighing 20 tons each were used in the construction, and transported from hundreds of kilometers afar, rendering the method of transport and construction still a mystery.

The biggest difference that sets the Giza Pyramids apart from others is that no hieroglyphic writings have been discovered inside.

Literally meaning “the fire in the core,” it is thought that the pyramids are located at the center of the earth. Today, they are accepted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

ABOUT

About 11,600 years ago, one of the most compelling structures in the history of humanity was built between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers: Göbeklitepe...

With a of history 4,600 years older than the first cities of Mesopotamia - predating the famous Stonehenge in England (visited by millions of tourists) by 6,600 years, 7,100 years senior to the Pyramids of Egypt, and 6,100 years ahead of the temples on Malta Island - the excavations at Göbeklitepe have unearthed a mystery that will revolutionize all existing knowledge on humankind’s transition to permanent settlements.

The findings point to the fact that people who lived in the area went to Göbeklitepe for worship. Its structures were not constructed for residential purposes. Göbeklitepe is a religious center from the Neolithic Age, dating back to 9,600 BC; in other words, from around 11,600 years ago.

While Göbeklitepe sheds light on many of the mysteries of the history of civilization, it also introduces more enigmas that need attention. Archeological research has shown that the Göbeklitepe Neolithic Temple area was a space where people congregated periodically for worship. Some of the T-shaped monumental obelisks have been shaped to resemble humans; embossing arms, hands and clothing onto the stone. While not certain, it is assumed that the temple was buried by the same people who made use of it.

Göbeklitepe refutes the thesis that agriculture triggered people to establish settlements and progress in art and religion. The excavations point to the most radical changes in human history that began in the Near East. This shift suggests the fact that, beyond everything else that is known about history, there were humans who went from being hunter-gatherers, to becoming a society of settlers who domesticated animals, (perhaps for reasons other than what was assumed until now.)

CULTURE AND
HERITAGE

The history of civilization is being rewritten in Göbeklitepe…

Findings that will overturn existing knowledge about the shift to permanent settlements have been uncovered in the Göbeklitepe excavations. The globally accepted archeological viewpoint states that the biggest factors that led humans to shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settling, were the fear of hunger and the instinct for protection. However, Göbeklitepe challenges this approach. Taking into consideration the time period it was built in, Göbeklitepe presents proof that religious beliefs might have played a role in shifting to permanent settlements.

Among the unanswered questions are how Göbeklitepe survived to our day so well preserved, and why, a thousand years after it was built, it was completely buried under tons of soil and flint stone.

The T-shaped stones in the temples, styled to resemble human beings, weigh from 10 to 15 tons each. Archeologists have yet to discover how the columns were transported and erected at a time when only simple hand tools existed.

Another question that needs an answer is how these structures were designed approximately 11,600 years ago, during a period when humans were still hunter-gatherers, far from being settled or having begun any form of agriculture. Perhaps when all these questions find answers, the history of our planet will be rewritten.

It is still unknown who designed or constructed the temples in Göbeklitepe.

According to astrophysicist/archaeoastronomer Giulio Magli of the Polytechnic University of Milan, Göbeklitepe was constructed to follow the movement of celestial bodies and to worship them, just like the Stonehenge in England. German Archeological Institute member Jens Notroffe says “it is still debatable whether the monuments of Göbeklitepe had roofs. If there was a roof at the time, this would have made viewing stars a challenge.”

It would not be out of place to assume that Şanlıurfa, home to many Neolithic settlements, will be host to many discoveries that will shed light to some of the unsolved mysteries of our history, with Göbeklitepe foremost. This fact alone underscores the significance of archeological research to be made in Şanlıurfa, with its rich historical infrastructure.

With a complete view over Harran Plain, Göbeklitepe is a prehistoric settlement like no other. Even with as little of it having been excavated so far, it gives us priceless clues to comprehend the processes of shifting from hunting-gathering to agriculture, the domestication of animals, shaping of sacred spaces, and the birth of temple architecture and art. The physical area including Turkey has played a significant role in all phases of the history of civilization, with countless cultures settling here and leaving imprints throughout different eras of history. Especially through research done in recent years, it has been shown that Anatolia has an unprecedented place in world history. While foundations of modern civilization were laid during the Neolithic period, the astounding results of recent excavations show that the contribution of various Anatolian civilizations to this formation have been far more than previously assumed.

ŞANLIURFA

One of the oldest human settlements along the Silk Road in Southeastern Turkey, Şanlıurfa was home to many independent states and chiefdoms throughout history. Hence becoming a cradle to many civilizations.

Şanlıurfa is an ancient city that witnessed many turning points in history. Agriculture and the first university were introduced here. Three monotheistic religions flourished in this city, and it was here that “fire did not burn Abraham.” Many multicultural elements coexist in Şanlıurfa, with its hospitable population. Throughout history, many prophets passed through, thus earning the nickname “The Prophets’ City.” However, the alluring story of Şanlıurfa’s experience with faith began long before monotheistic religions came along.

The history of Şanlıurfa goes back 18,000 years, as ascertained through excavation findings from Balıklıgöl, Nevali Çori, Göbeklitepe and across the city at large.

Having cradled many civilizations throughout its history, this city has been a meeting point of tolerance for religions, languages and cultures. Just like in its past, Şanlıurfa still carries these fundamental values to share with humanity.

EXHIBITION

The embossed figures of wild animals and plants located on the steles of Göbeklitepe ('T '- shaped obelisks) are regarded as the first examples of architecture in the world.

EXCAVATION AREA

Geomagnetic and georadar surveillance done on Göbeklitepe traced 23 circular areas used for worship, with circumferences from 20 to 30 meters, only 6 layers of which have been unearthed until now.

The archeological excavations of the extraordinary findings at Göbeklitepe point to the impression that it was a religious/sacred center for meetings. A common thread can be observed in the methodology of the temples’ construction. Surrounded by T-shaped columns with 1.4 meters thickness, and a maximum height of 6 meters, the temples have two T-shaped columns at their center, placed side by side.

Archeologists concur that these columns measuring 3 to 6 meters represent stylized humans, based on the illustrations of arms and hands seen on the T-shaped columns.

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PLAN

  • STRUCTURE A

    Found in 1995, Structure A was brought to its present form through excavations conducted in 1996 and 1997. The main aspects of this structure bring to the foreground the T-shaped obelisks with depictions of hands and arms on their wider facades (made with a lightly raised relief technique). Because of these elements, it is possible to perceive these structures as human shaped representations. Two larger size T-shaped obelisks take center in all four circular stone structures found in the main excavation site. A web composed of snakes, a ram, bull, fox and a crane aligned on top of each other, can be seen among the raised reliefs found on the two central obelisks marked P1 and P2 in Structure A.

  • STRUCTURE B

    After Structure A, Structure B was discovered in 1998, and excavation was done until 2002. The T-shaped center obelisks of the structure stand on a well-preserved terrazzo base. A stone container has been found placed in front of its obelisk, which only includes the embossment of a male fox figure. Also found in 1998, Structure C is the biggest known building at Göbeklitepe until now. It is composed of two circular rows of walls containing T-shaped obelisks. It was constructed directly on top of a painstakingly evened out limestone main slab. The central area of Structure C underwent considerable damage during antiquity. However the extraordinary motifs of predatory animals discovered on its obelisk, etched in a high relief pattern, have been spared this damage.

  • STRUCTURE C

    After Structure A, Structure B was discovered in 1998, and excavation was done until 2002. The T-shaped center obelisks of the structure stand on a well-preserved terrazzo base. A stone container has been found placed in front of its obelisk, which only includes the embossment of a male fox figure. Also found in 1998, Structure C is the biggest known building at Göbeklitepe until now. It is composed of two circular rows of walls containing T-shaped obelisks. It was constructed directly on top of a painstakingly evened out limestone main slab. The central area of Structure C underwent considerable damage during antiquity. However the extraordinary motifs of predatory animals discovered on its obelisk, etched in a high relief pattern, have been spared this damage.

  • STRUCTURE D

    Discovered in 2001, Structure D contains the most magnanimous and well-preserved temple, dated to the first phase of Göbeklitepe, from 9500 to 8500 BC. In the center of Temple D, T-shaped stele, or stone pillars, were placed with a height of 6 meters and weighing up to 30 tons. It would be safe to assume the central stele represented human beings or sacred beings in the form of humans by looking at the reliefs showing arms, hands, a belt and fox fur for clothing. The T stele of this temple reflects depictions of many animals. Although representing a wide range of wild life including boars, wild oxen, donkeys, gazelle, cranes, storks, ibis, ducks and cats. The majority of images contain snakes and foxes. Both center obelisks are depicted with images of clothing made of animal skin held with a belt.

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The oldest temple known to mankind, Göbeklitepe dates back around 11,600 years. The historic site transformed our understanding of how human society first developed after its relatively recent discovery. Visit us in November 2016 to discover this unexplored archaeological treasure from the dawn of humanity.