TRAVEL TO THE DAWN OF CIVILIZATION
Göbeklitepe and Taş Tepeler
In the heart of Şanlıurfa in southeastern Türkiye, Göbeklitepe has advanced our understanding of early human history. Discovered in the mid-90s, it showcases the earliest monumental architecture known, dating back to 9,600 BCE —predating the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge by millennia. In recent years, the rugged stone hills surrounding Şanlıurfa have unveiled 11 additional early settlements, including Karahantepe. This hilltop settlement, likely older than Göbeklitepe itself, is now welcoming visitors as well. Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum and Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum are the primary repositories for artifacts excavated in these sites and are essential to view for all visitors to the region. In addition to mosaics from Roman villas, the Balıklıgöl Statue, the oldest human figure representation, links us ever more closely to our distant ancestors.
More UNESCO sites to explore: Discover a land of untold stories in Türkiye, where the echoes of ancient civilizations linger across the landscape. From Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple, to the Neolithic wonders of Çatalhöyük, Anatolia has witnessed empires rise and fall. UNESCO World Heritage Sites preserve these extraordinary tales: explore Hittite ruins at Hattusha, marvel at the healing sanctuary of Asclepius, stand in awe amidst the grandeur of Ephesus, and lose yourself in the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia. Medieval treasures abound, like the magnificent Great Mosque of Divriği, and the Ottoman splendors of Istanbul and Bursa reveal Türkiye’s vibrant tapestry woven over centuries. Don’t miss two recent additions to the UNESCO list: Gordion, the Iron Age heart of Phrygia near Ankara, and the Wooden Hypostyle Mosques of Medieval Anatolia, their intricate craftsmanship scattered across cities like Ankara, Eskişehir, Konya, Afyonkarahisar, and Kastamonu.