Göbeklitepe
A 12,000-year-old temple that rewrote history
Image credit: Teomancimit, CC BY-SA 3.0
About
On a hill northeast of Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe is the most striking archaeological discovery in human history. With its monumental temples dated to around twelve thousand years ago, it predates Stonehenge by six thousand and the Egyptian pyramids by seven thousand years. The giant T-shaped standing stones and the wild-animal reliefs masterfully carved on them prove that, in an era before agriculture and writing, hunter-gatherers were able to build these magnificent structures for the sake of belief. This discovery has overturned the idea that "civilisation began with agriculture." The site, which can be visited under a modern protective roof, and the nearby museum tell the story of these extraordinary finds impressively; on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Göbeklitepe is, in effect, a pilgrimage point for history lovers.
History
Dated to around 9600–8000 BC, Göbeklitepe is the oldest known monumental temple structure. Its importance was understood through excavations led by the German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt in the 1990s; it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018 and fundamentally changed the view of human history.
Visiting Tips
- ✓Visit the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum first
- ✓No shade — a hat, water and sunscreen are essential
- ✓Early morning or late afternoon are cooler
- ✓Don't leave the walking platforms
- ✓About a 30-minute drive from the city centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Göbeklitepe?
Göbeklitepe is located at Örencik, Haliliye, Şanlıurfa in Şanlıurfa.
When is the best time to visit Göbeklitepe?
Recommended time: March – May and October – November.
