Göbekli Tepe: The World’s Oldest Temple Complex in Southeastern Türkiye

Nestled on a hilltop near the ancient city of Şanlıurfa in southeastern Türkiye, Göbekli Tepe is considered the world’s oldest known temple complex, dating back to the 10th millennium BCE. This archaeological marvel predates Stonehenge by over 6,000 years and has redefined our understanding of prehistoric civilization, religion, and social organization. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018, Göbekli Tepe draws curious travelers, historians, and archaeologists from across the globe to witness the birth of monumental architecture.

Discovered in the 1960s and later extensively excavated starting in the mid-1990s by German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt, Göbekli Tepe was once thought to be just another Neolithic hill. However, the site revealed something astonishing: a vast arrangement of T-shaped limestone megaliths weighing up to 10 tons each, arranged in circular and oval structures. These monoliths are adorned with intricate reliefs of animals such as snakes, foxes, wild boars, and birds, offering insights into the spiritual and symbolic world of early humans.

The site challenges long-held assumptions that religion emerged only after agriculture. Instead, Göbekli Tepe suggests that spiritual belief may have been the catalyst for people to come together, organize, and eventually develop settled life. Unlike later temple sites, Göbekli Tepe was built and used by hunter-gatherers, a fact that upended our understanding of human development.

Visitors to Göbekli Tepe today can explore the elevated walkways that offer panoramic views of the excavated enclosures and detailed signage explaining the significance of each structure. The main archaeological area is partially covered with a protective roof to preserve the fragile megaliths, yet the sheer scale and mystery of the complex remain profoundly impactful.

A newly opened Göbekli Tepe Visitor Center and Museum located nearby provides further context through exhibitions, interactive displays, and artifacts discovered at the site. Shuttle buses are available between the museum and the archaeological site. The experience is both humbling and inspiring—a portal into a forgotten world shaped by belief, symbolism, and early human ingenuity.

Göbekli Tepe is not just a historical monument; it is a place of deep wonder that invites reflection on the roots of humanity. As you walk among the stones carved over 11,000 years ago, you begin to grasp the depth of our ancestors’ intelligence, culture, and yearning for the divine.

How to Get There:
Göbekli Tepe is located about 15 km northeast of Şanlıurfa, a city well-connected by air and road. Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (approximately 40 minutes from the site) has regular domestic flights from major Turkish cities like Istanbul and Ankara. From Şanlıurfa city center, you can take a taxi, rental car, or join guided tours offered by local operators.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Göbekli Tepe is between March and May or September to November, when temperatures are milder. Summers in the region can be extremely hot, while winters may bring cold winds and occasional rain. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon also helps avoid harsh midday sun and provides better light for photography.