81 artifacts unearthed in Şanlıurfa to be exhibited for the first time

The Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, which was opened to visitors in 2015 and covers an area of 60,000 square meters, with 30,000 square meters being closed to the public, displays artifacts excavated from sites such as Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe, which are described as the 'zero point of history.'

Affected by the flood disaster in Şanlıurfa on March 15, 2023, the museum will reopen to visitors after repair works, showcasing 81 artifacts excavated from the excavations under the Stone Hills project for the first time.

Among these artifacts are 81 items including wild boar and red vulture sculptures made of limestone, with traces of paint on them, human sculptures, and ornaments made of beads.

Celal Uludağ, the Director of the Şanlıurfa Museum, stated that the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum is among the world's most important museums due to its collection of Neolithic artifacts.

Uludağ mentioned that the museum's collection is becoming even richer with the Stone Hills project, saying, "Very important artifacts are being unearthed in the excavations. In 2023, some of these artifacts were brought to the Şanlıurfa Museum, and after the necessary procedures were carried out here, they became ready for exhibition."

Uludağ stated that artifacts excavated from archaeological sites such as Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe, Sefertepe, Sayburç, Çakmaktepe, and Gürcütepe will be exhibited for the first time. He mentioned:

"With the opening of our museum in February 2024, a total of 81 artifacts dating back to the Neolithic era will be displayed for exhibition. Among these artifacts, the most significant one is undoubtedly the painted pig sculpture. We can describe this as the oldest painted sculpture to have survived from the Neolithic era to the present day. Additionally, we can mention the oldest vulture sculpture as well. The human sculpture, which has always been associated with the discovery of Göbeklitepe, is also among the new artifacts that will be exhibited in our museum."

Uludağ emphasized that the artifacts discovered under the Stone Hills Project have attracted the attention of the entire world. He also mentioned that as part of this, the World Neolithic Congress of 2024 will be held in Şanlıurfa.