How does Şanlıurfa shed light on human history?

Göbeklitepe is a site that changed the ideas of many historians and archaeologists about the cradle of civilization. Excavations here began in the mid-90s, and the resulting landscape indicated that Göbeklitepe was the most ancient temple ever discovered in the world.

Şanlıurfa, the historical city of Southeastern Anatolia, is an extremely important city not only for Turks but also for all humanity.

There is a traditional custom that every visitor to Şanlıurfa must follow: visiting the most popular tourist attraction, Balıklıgöl or the 'Holy Fish Pools'.

In Balıklıgöl, people feed hundreds of sacred sazangi, based on a legend about the Prophet Abraham.

According to the belief, Nemrud, a polytheistic king who worships idols and the ruler of Urfa, condemns Abraham to death, who opposed idolatry. İbrahim is tied to two poles at the top of the Urfa castle and thrown into the fire pit in the center of the city with a catapult. However, Allah saves Abraham by turning the fire into water and the pieces of firewood into fish.

Şanlıurfa tells us much more about the past. There are many archaeological sites in Taş Tepeler, which is not far from the city center.

The starting point of civilization: Göbeklitepe

Göbeklitepe, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of them.

Göbeklitepe is a site that changed the ideas of many historians and archaeologists about the cradle of civilization.

Excavations here began in the mid-90s, and the resulting landscape indicated that Göbeklitepe was the most ancient temple ever discovered in the world.

It is estimated that this structure, shaped by layers of chipped megaliths, dates back to 6,000 years before Stonehenge, to 10,000 BC.

With its limestone T-shaped pillars sculpted with images of wild animals, abstract characters and icons, this temple provides insight into the lifestyles and beliefs of the people of Upper Mesopotamia.

Before the Neolithic Revolution (Agricultural Revolution), which brought scattered groups of hunter-gatherers to farming villages, archaeologists argued that at the time, humanity had not yet come together in groups.

Guide Merve Ofluoğlu explained how Göbeklitepe turned everything scientists knew upside down: "Because we knew that agriculture was at the forefront in the transition process of human beings to settled life. But when you look at the existence of life in Göbeklitepe, there is no transition to agriculture. The transition to agriculture is a little later. A hunter-gatherer society is in question, but they are building these structures in line with their beliefs."

This may mean that the factor that compels mankind to settle down is actually the desire to build religious temples and stay close to them.

Göbeklitepe's 'younger sister' Karahantepe

Göbeklitepe, only 5% of which has been excavated so far, is not unique. Just beyond is his 'younger sister' Karahantepe, who may be even older than him.

Many different structures and more than 260 T-shaped obelisks were found in Karahantepe. It also has 11 columns and a carved mysterious human head with a section that looks like it was reserved for worship.

Everything in Karahantepe and its surroundings is exhibited in Şanlıurfa Archeology Museum, which is another place you must visit when you come.

Celal Uludağ, Museum Director and Head of Former Göbeklitepe Excavations, told us at the museum how Karahantepe could offer more pieces to complete the puzzle:

"During the Göbeklitepe excavations, there was no definite information about whether people lived around the excavation area.
In these structures in Karahantepe, daily use materials, stone vessels, grinding vessels, large plates were found. These finds showed us that there were actually residential areas right next to the ritual area in Karahantepe."

In the Şanlıurfa Archeology Museum, which covers an area of 30 thousand square meters, approximately 5 thousand archaeological artifacts are on display. Among them is the Balıklıgöl Statue, the oldest sculpture in human form, also known as the Urfa Man. This statue, which is almost 1.80 meters tall, has eyes in the form of deep holes in which black obsidian fragments are found.

While archaeological excavations continue in Şanlıurfa, other treasures can be found under the ground.

Uludağ said, "The new artifacts unearthed as a result of these excavations will also be ready to take their place on display."