Exploring the Neolithic Wonders of Taş Tepeler, Türkiye
A Land Steeped in History
Türkiye is a country rich in history, and its southeastern region, particularly around the Harran Plain, is home to some of the most fascinating Neolithic sites in the world. Ongoing excavations continue to reveal insights into this crucial region, which played a pivotal role in shaping modern human civilization.
Taş Tepeler: The Cradle of Settled Life
For those fascinated by the origins of human settlement, Taş Tepeler in Şanlıurfa is an unmissable destination. Spanning 200 km² (49,000 acres), this region in Upper Mesopotamia was home to some of the earliest settled communities, dating back 12,000 years. Among its 12 significant Neolithic sites are Göbeklitepe and several other settlements that mark the transition from nomadic lifestyles to permanent villages.
Göbeklitepe: The World’s First Temple?
One of Türkiye’s most celebrated prehistoric sites, Göbeklitepe, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2018. Located just 15 km northeast of Şanlıurfa, it dates back to 9600 BC, predating the Great Pyramid of Giza by approximately 7,000 years. Göbeklitepe’s significance lies in its size and complexity:
- Geophysical surveys have revealed at least 20 circular ritual enclosures beneath the mound.
- The smallest structures measure 6m across, while the largest, known as Building D, spans 20m.
- Massive T-shaped limestone pillars, some reaching 3m in height, are decorated with depictions of wild animals, geometric figures, and abstract human representations.
Despite being in use for at least 1,500 years, much of Göbeklitepe remains unexcavated, promising further discoveries about its ancient past.
Karahantepe: A Rising Neolithic Star
Located just 35 km from Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe is another major Neolithic site covering an area of 140,000m² (35 acres). Excavations, which began in 2019, have uncovered over 250 T-shaped megaliths adorned with carvings of humans and animals. Unlike Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe features structures carved directly from the living rock, some possibly serving religious functions. Ongoing research continues to reveal new aspects of this enigmatic site.
Other Key Neolithic Sites in Taş Tepeler
Archaeological investigations are currently underway at seven key sites in the Taş Tepeler region, each offering unique insights into Neolithic life:
- Gürcütepe
- Sayburç: Features a remarkable relief of human figures and lions carved into the limestone bedrock.
- Çakmaktepe
- Sefertepe
- Yeni Mahalle Mound: Located in the Balıklıgöl complex in modern-day Şanlıurfa, this site is believed to be the source of the world-famous Urfa Man, a limestone sculpture from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period. The sculpture is currently displayed at the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum.
The Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum
For those eager to deepen their understanding of this era, the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum is a must-visit. As the largest museum in Türkiye, it showcases numerous artefacts from Taş Tepeler, including those uncovered at Karahantepe. Which are featured in the exhibition ‘Karahantepe and Neolithic Human.’
A Journey into the Past
With numerous ongoing excavations and groundbreaking discoveries, Taş Tepeler offers an unparalleled glimpse into the world’s first settled communities. A visit to Şanlıurfa provides history enthusiasts with an extraordinary opportunity to explore these ancient sites and witness the dawn of human civilization firsthand.
