Gobleki Tepe, south-eastern Turkey, is considered by many to be the oldest known temple complex in the world. Archaeologists have dated the site all the way back to around 9600 BCE, predating structures like the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge by thousands of years (UNESCO, 2018; Smithsonian Magazine, 2008). It’s discovery has had a big impact on our understanding of early human civilizations, challenging long-held views on our ancestral past, suggesting that religion may have preceded agriculture (The Guardian, 2024).
The site features multiple circular and oval stone enclosures, each constructed with large T-shaped limestone pillars – some pillars weighing over 20 tons whilst standing 5.5 metres tall. Carvings of animals, such as snakes, lions, boars and even vultures can be seen engraved into the pillars (Wikipedia; Smithsonian Magazine, 2008). The quality of stonework and symmetrical arrangements show an advanced understanding of both design and symbolism.
Certain carvings found across the site are believed by some scholars to be reflecting astronomical observations. For example, the ”Vulture stone” shown in the image on the right, may be depicting star constellations and cometary events, with some suggesting that this stone, along with the whole site, may have functioned as an early sky map or calendar.
There has been zero evidence found of any domestic dwellings on the Gobekli Tepe site, which has lead experts to suggest that the site served as a place of ceremony and ritual (Smithsonian Magazine, 2008). The intricate carvings and megalithic pillars hint at complex belief systems and shared cultural values existing in civilisations far early than previously thought (The Guardian, 2024).
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In 2018, Göbekli Tepe was officially added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized as one of the earliest known examples of monumental architecture and religious life (UNESCO, 2018).