Where is Gobeklitepe? Gobeklitepe History and Secrets
Gobeklitepe, also spelled as Gobekli Tepe, is a stunning historical wonder in the ancient Mesopotamian city of Sanliurfa. Famous for its long history going back to 10,000 BCE, Gobeklitepe was among the world's first settlements and holy sites. Consisting of large pillars with animal reliefs and anthropomorphic sculptures, Gobeklitepe demonstrates the wondrous creativity of early human societies who lived tens of thousands of years ago.
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Where is Gobeklitepe Located?
Gobeklitepe is located in the Şanlıurfa province, an Eastern Anatolian city in Turkey. Although the modern city was founded around the 4th century BC, human settlement in Şanlıurfa goes back thousands of years, as proven by the existence of Gobeklitepe and similar structures in the vicinity.
The city of Şanlıurfa is famous for its distinctive cuisine and unique architecture. The city is one of the most prominent Biblical cities and of importance for the three Abrahamic religions.
The History of Gobeklitepe
Gobeklitepe settlement was constructed during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period, dating to 12,500-8,500 BC. During this period, local hunter-gatherer societies transitioned to agriculture, beginning what is now known as the Agricultural Revolution. At this time, semi-settled communities constructed Gobeklitepe and similar structures in the vicinity as both religious sites and settlements.
Although Gobeklitepe has no recorded history, its chronology spans at least 1,500 years, with the earliest settlements dating back to 9,500 BC. Around the late 10th millennium BC, new walls were erected, which incorporated the first T-shaped pillars. In the following few centuries, new domestic dwellings emerged, and the community grew. From the late 9th to the early 8th millennium BC, the building activity gradually slowed down. Later, new domestic structures were erected in Gobeklitepe, yet its inhabitants slowly abandoned the settlement, leaving it in ruins. In the final period, new settlers built small dwellings within the remains of this ancient town.
Some archaeologists believe that the construction of Gobeklitepe signifies the emergence of religious rituals. Anthropomorphic motifs in the site suggest the existence of worship in some sort of common religious belief. The monumental structures also suggest that various communities might have used the site as a ritual ground, demonstrating a possible collaboration between different groups.
It must be noted that Gobeklitepe was never a huge structure, suggesting that habitation was limited to either a small number of people or possibly a few communities. Furthermore, there are similar structures around Gobeklitepe, suggesting that the area was home to many human societies.
Nevertheless, regarding the history and function of Gobeklitepe, there is nothing more than interpretations by archaeologists. Since the structure was constructed at a time without written language or any records, secrets surrounding this ancient settlement are unlikely to be solved anytime soon.
The Secrets and Mysteries of Gobeklitepe
Besides its fame as one of the oldest structures in human history, Gobeklitepe is also known for the secrets and mysteries surrounding it. One of these mysteries is the symbolism of Gobeklitepe and the meaning behind the anthropomorphic reliefs. These reliefs and motifs, decorating Gobekli Tepe pillars, are thought to carry religious value. It is thought that the early inhabitants of Gobeklitepe carved their gods and spirits they worshipped in these pillars, suggesting that the community of Gobeklitepe had some sort of organized religion with a certain pantheon.
Another mystery about Gobekli Tepe is the identity of its creators. The current narrative suggests that it was built by hunter-gatherers who were transitioning to a semi-sedentary lifestyle with the shift to agriculture. However, the layout of Gobeklitepe suggests that these people had some knowledge of how to construct complex structures and buildings.
Besides, historians and archaeologists also don't know when and why Gobeklitepe and the surrounding settlements were abandoned. The question of why such a meticulously constructed structure became forgotten and left to fall into ruins still waits for an answer. It appears that after a millennium, Gobeklitepe lost its religious significance and future settlers used the ruins as a mere dwelling site.
Of course, since the structure is one of the oldest in human history, there are more mysteries than Gobekli Tepe facts. It is unclear whether we will ever fully understand what Gobekli Tepe is. Still, Turkey's Gobekli Tepe will always be a fascinating discovery and a significant step in exploring the early human societies in the Near East.
If you are interested in Gobeklitepe and its mysteries, our Nemrut and Sanliurfa tours might be the perfect option to take an adventure-filled trip to the ancient heartland of Turkey. Pick the perfect tour package for yourself and embark on an unforgettable journey!
Gobeklitepe Travel Guide
If you are planning a trip to Gobeklitepe and looking for a travel guide that covers the basics, you're in the right place! Below, you can find some key information about Gobeklitepe. Plus, you can check our Turkish travel guide for a breakdown of all things Turkey.
What is Gobekli Tepe?
Gobeklitepe is known as the oldest temple in the world, with a history going back 11,000 years. It predates Stonehenge and the Pyramids.
Where is Gobekli Tepe?
Gobeklitepe is located near Şanlıurfa, approximately 20 kilometers from the city centre. The easiest way to reach Gobekli Tepe is to fly to Şanlıurfa GAP Airport and drive to the site from there.
Best Time to Visit Gobekli Tepe
Gobekli Tepe, Turkey, gets extremely hot in summer. Therefore, it is recommended to travel to the area during Spring or Autumn. You can also visit early in the day to avoid both crowds and heat.
How to Get to Gobeklitepe
Gobekli Tepe's location is remote. Therefore, you can either get there by your private vehicle, a taxi, or public shuttle buses from the city centre. Rock Valley Travel also offers rich travel packages to Gobeklitepe for history enthusiasts.
What to See in Gobeklitepe
Gobeklitepe has a panoramic observation deck, allowing you to view the excavation site from above. T-shaped megaliths decorated with carvings of animals and symbols are the main highlight of the site. Furthermore, there is an on-site visitor centre with interactive exhibits and a replica dig site for tourists.
Additionally, you might visit Şanlıurfa city centre to explore one of the oldest cities in Mesopotamia. Its distinct architecture and famed cuisine make the city a heaven for foodies and culture enthusiasts alike. Those who wish to explore the region's history can also visit some of the museums in Şanlıurfa for an unforgettable experience.
Places to Visit Near Gobeklitepe
Sanlıurfa has many other important landmarks and attractions that every visitor must see. Below, you can see some of the key places you can visit near Gobeklitepe or within the province of Sanliurfa to make the best of your journey.
Karahan Tepe
Another structure similar to Gobeklitepe, Karahan Tepe, is an ancient settlement that might even predate Gobeklitepe. Although it's less ornate and not as well known as Gobeklitepe, Karahan Tepe is also a significant archeological discovery to uncover the lifestyles of early societies that lived in Anatolia.
Balıklıgol
Balıklıgol in Sanliurfa is a sacred fishpond that is believed to be the place where Abraham was thrown into a large fire by Nimrod. According to Islamic religious texts, fire was transformed into water, and logs that were used as fuel became fish. You can explore the landmark to bask in the local culture.
Cave of Abraham
Sanliurfa is called "the city of prophets" in Turkish, due to its association with various Quranic sites. The Cave of Abraham in Sanliurfa is one of these places. Prophet Abraham is believed to have been born in this cave located near Urfa Castle and Balikligol.
Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum
If you are planning to explore the history of Sanliurfa and greater Eastern Anatolia, the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum must be on your itinerary. The museum features a rich exhibition showcasing the region's history, with artefacts dating back thousands of years.
Urfa Castle
Perched atop a small hill in the city centre, Urfa Castle overlooks the entire city of Sanliurfa. Believed to have been built by the Osroene Kingdom in the 2nd century BC, the castle has stood for many centuries. By visiting this spectacular structure, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and touch the ancient stones that once protected Urfa.
Gobeklitepe in Turkish and World Tourism
Gobeklitepe, both due to its age and historic significance, is a prominent place for Turkish tourism. Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to Gobeklitepe to see this magnificent structure built by our ancestors.
Tips for Visitors
If you are traveling to Gobeklitepe soon, these tips might be of help:
- Since Gobeklitepe is located in the middle of a plain, visitors must beware of midday heat,
- Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a bottle of water,
- Respect the archaeological zones and avoid touching anything,
- Flash photography on sensitive artifacts is prohibited,
- Remember that Gobeklitepe is still an active excavation site, so, stay in the designated area,
- Gobeklitepe's age is over 12,000 years; so, don't rush and soak everything in.
