Göbekli Tepe: The World’s Oldest Temple and Its Mysteries
The term "Göbekli Tepe" is Turkish and translates to "Potbelly Hill" in English. The name is derived from the site's location on a hill in the Şanlıurfa Province of southeastern Turkey. The archaeological site gained its name due to the distinctive shape of the hill, resembling a potbelly. Göbekli Tepe is renowned for its ancient megalithic structures, considered one of the oldest and most significant archaeological discoveries in the world.
Göbekli Tepe, situated in modern-day Turkey, was uncovered in 1994 by German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt. Göbekli Tepe is comprised of four main archaeological areas, labeled A, B, C, and D. The varying sizes of these areas contribute to the complexity and richness of Göbekli Tepe's archaeological landscape, offering insights into the diversity of activities and significance across different sections of the site.
From left to right: Göbekli Tepe location on the south east side of Turkey (Picture 1), Turkey's location on global map (Picture 2), Flag of Turkey (Picture 3) and Diagram of Göbekli Tepe showing Sites A, B, C and D (Picture 4).
The German Archeologist
Klaus Schmidt (11 December 1953 – 20 July 2014) was a German archaeologist and prehistorian who led the excavations at Göbekli Tepe from 1996 to 2014. During a survey conducted in southeastern Turkey, Schmidt identified a series of large limestone pillars protruding from the ground, leading to the unearthing of the ancient site. Recognizing its significance, Schmidt initiated extensive excavations, revealing the monumental scale and architectural sophistication of Gobekli Tepe.
From left to right: Klaus Schmidt (Picture 1), Aerial View of Gobekli Tepe (Picture 2), Aerial View of Göbekli Tepe (Picture 3).
Iconography and Symbolism:
Göbekli Tepe's T-shaped pillars are adorned with detailed carvings featuring animals, abstract symbols, and humanoid figures. The symbolism, yet to be fully deciphered, hints at potential religious and ritualistic practices.
Pillar 1 in Enclosure A shows a net-like pattern formed of snakes and a ram (left). Pillar 2 in Enclosure A with a vertical sequence of three motifs: bull, fox and crane (right).
How old is Gobekli Tepe?
Göbekli Tepe, was built around 9600 BCE, making it one of the oldest known monumental structures. The dating of Göbekli Tepe relies on advanced archaeological methods, primarily radiocarbon dating of organic materials found at the site. Excavations have uncovered various artifacts, including charcoal and bones, which have been subject to meticulous analysis. By measuring the decay of radioactive carbon isotopes in these organic remains, scientists can determine the age of the material and, by extension, provide a reliable estimate for the construction timeline of Göbekli Tepe. This precision in dating techniques has allowed researchers to establish a chronological sequence, offering valuable insights into the ancient origins and cultural practices of this extraordinary Neolithic site.
Göbekli Tepe
The 4 Sites of Göbekli Tepe
From left to right: Site A-D
Site A:
Site A at Göbekli Tepe boasts an impressive array of T-shaped limestone pillars, intricately carved with depictions of wild boars, foxes, snakes, and birds. The site encompasses multiple circular enclosures, each adorned with a substantial number of these pillars. The total count of pillars at Site A exceeds 7, contributing to the grandeur and ritualistic significance of the area.
Site A of Göbekli Tepe
Site B:
Site B, while smaller in scale compared to Site A, features a considerable number of T-shaped pillars adorned with carvings of wild boars, birds, and other fauna. The circular enclosure at Site B is embellished with a significant quantity of these pillars, possibly totaling 11-12. The meticulous carvings and pillar arrangement enhance the site's symbolic richness.
Site B of Göbekli Tepe
Site C:
The T-shaped pillars at Site C continue the trend of intricate carvings, showcasing representations of birds and wild animals. Despite being comprised of two smaller circular structures, Site C maintains a notable presence with a collective count of 20-21 pillars. The symbolism conveyed through these carvings contributes to the overall narrative of Göbekli Tepe.
Site C of Göbekli Tepe
Site D:
Site D, the least explored area, contains T-shaped pillars adorned with carvings of wild boars, birds, and other creatures, consistent with Göbekli Tepe's thematic elements. While the precise count of pillars at Site D remains uncertain, ongoing excavations may reveal additional details. The exploration of this site holds the potential to expand our understanding of Göbekli Tepe's cultural and ritualistic practices.
Site D of Göbekli Tepe