GÖBEKLİTEPE: THE ZERO POINT OF THE WORLD
GÖBEKLİTEPE:
Built at least 11,600 years ago Göbeklitepe is located in Şanlıurfa, Turkey. When historians and archaeologists did research, they noted this place as the oldest temple and one of the most important worship centers in the world. They noted this place in another saying as well: “the place where civilization was born.” They also said that this place is not a settlement but a religious center.
WHAT IS IN GÖBEKLİTEPE?
There are 10-12 T-shaped stone monuments inside the building. In most of these stones; humans, hands, arms, various animals, and abstract symbols are embossed and carved. The construction process of Göbeklitepe, which consists of giant columns and heavy stones stacked on top of each other, is still a mystery since there were no tools such as wheelbarrows at that time. It is thought that the strength of many people and beasts of burden were probably used to move the stones that make up the temple. Göbeklitepe is thought to be an ancient building, which proves that people systematically held meetings even when they lived as hunter-gatherers, but then what the purpose was is still not exactly known.
HOW WAS GÖBEKLİTEPE DISCOVERED?
Göbeklitepe was found in 1963 during the prehistoric research in Southeastern Anatolia that was carried out in the region in cooperation with the Universities of Istanbul and Chicago. Although Göbeklitepe was discovered in 1963, excavations didn’t begin until 1995 because the archaeological value of the region was not determined by Klaus Schmidt until 1994 and research continues today. As a result of the excavations that had started in 1995, six temples were found in the region and the shapes of these structures are similar to each other. However, this historical site appears to have much more than what has been uncovered because geomagnetic studies show that there may be as many as 20 temples.
7 DETAILS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GÖBEKLİTEPE
#1 An advanced architectural technique that was beyond the era.
Göbeklitepe used architectural techniques that were quite advanced compared to its period. It is still a matter of curiosity how such architectural techniques were used at that time.
#2 Göbeklitepe is considered to be the homeland of wheat.
Wheat, which is used in many areas today, was first grown around Göbeklitepe according to the finds.
#3 Göbeklitepe is believed to have produced beer.
In the light of research and investigations, signs of fermentation were detected on the grain samples found in Göbeklitepe. At the same time, equipment that appears to be beer barrels were found around the temple ruins. Based on this evidence, scientists think that Göbeklitepe is also a pioneer in the production of early alcoholic beverages.
#4 Göbeklitepe explorers: Klaus Schmidt and farmer Mahmut Yıldız
Although the carved stone found by farmer Mahmut Yıldız in his field in Şanlıurfa in 1983 is one of the early finds of Göbeklitepe, the actual work started in 1995 under the presidency of the Şanlıurfa Museum. In 2007, Klaus Schmidt was appointed as the excavation director while Mahmut Yıldız is currently the keeper of Göbeklitepe.
#5 Göbeklitepe may have been hidden by human hands.
Because both the homogeneity of the limestone and soil structure within the circular structure of the temple and the absence of many human remains show that the area was deliberately buried. Unfortunately, the question "Why was Göbeklitepe buried?" still remains unanswered.
#6 Liquid-proof floors
It is believed that the floors of the Göbeklitepe temple had been specially designed to be impermeable to liquids that would protect it from the blood, alcohol, etc. during religious ceremonies that would spill onto the floor. This design supports the idea that rituals were performed with liquid substances.
#7 Göbeklitepe on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Because of these amazing facts, Göbeklitepe was entitled to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List when the committee convened in Bahrain in July 2018. UNESCO declared 2019 as the year of Göbeklitepe.