Göbeklitepe (The Oldest Temple Of The World)

Welcome to Göbeklitepe, known as the "zero point of history," which caused the rewriting of human history. Located near Örencik Village in the Haliliye district of Şanlıurfa, this unique archaeological site is the world's oldest and largest known center of faith, with a history dating back approximately 12,000 years. Being 7,500 years older than the Egyptian pyramids and 7,000 years older than Stonehenge, this structure has proven to the whole world that our hunter-gatherer ancestors were not merely struggling to survive, but also possessed complex belief systems and a high architectural vision. The most striking feature of Göbeklitepe is its massive, T-shaped monumental pillars weighing tons. Arranged in a circular plan, these limestone pillars feature masterfully carved three-dimensional animal reliefs such as foxes, lions, wild boars, scorpions, cranes, and snakes, reflecting the Neolithic people's relationship with nature and their spiritual world. The fact that such a magnificent temple was built using only stone tools, in an era when metal tools, the wheel, and pottery had not yet been invented, continues to fascinate scientists and visitors even today. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, Göbeklitepe is the common heritage of not only Şanlıurfa but of all humanity. This is an eye-opening journey through time that must be experienced by anyone who wants to witness the birth of civilization, breathe in the mysterious atmosphere of thousands of years ago, and connect with the roots of humanity.