Göbekli Tepe: The Zero Point of History is Being Renewed

Göbekli Tepe, the oldest temple complex in the world, offers valuable insights into prehistoric times. Located in Şanlıurfa, this unique site is often seen as the zero point of human history. Recent renovations aim to make Göbekli Tepe more accessible to local and international tourists.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Göbekli Tepe is preparing to welcome visitors with a new reception center, walking paths, and parking facilities.

German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt discovered this historical site, which features impressive monumental structures. It was built before agriculture and settled life began, making it crucial for understanding human history.

Göbekli Tepe showcases T-shaped standing stones, animal figures, and geometric patterns. These elements reveal the artistic and architectural skills of people from that era. With a history of about 12,000 years, this site attracts around 1 million visitors each year, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

The growing number of visitors has prompted Turkish authorities to enhance Göbekli Tepe’s reception center, pathways, and parking area. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is actively constructing new walking paths around the archaeological site. Additionally, work is progressing quickly on the new reception center and parking area, located about 2 kilometers from the historical site.

New Reception Center and Parking

Aydın Aslan, the Director of Culture and Tourism in Şanlıurfa, announced that they will complete the new reception center by the end of 2024. This center will include a parking lot for 500 vehicles, nearly 50 bus stops, caravan areas, charging stations for electric vehicles, new pathways, waiting areas, and landscaping projects. These improvements will help visitors explore the historical site more comfortably.

The Cultural Significance of Göbekli Tepe

Aslan emphasized that Göbekli Tepe serves as a vital example of effective conservation and balanced use in archaeological sites, both in Turkey and worldwide. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is dedicated to maintaining this sensitivity. With new walking paths and other projects, Göbekli Tepe aims to remain a globally recognized tourism destination, just as it has been in the past.