Archaeologists continue to unveil the mysteries of the Taş Tepeler Culture in southeast Turkey, revealing insights into a Stone Age civilization dating back approximately 11,500 years. This culture, predating ancient Egypt and Stonehenge, is believed to be the oldest complex society.
Ongoing investigations have identified 20 previously unknown sites, showcasing monumental architecture, sophisticated sculpture, and advanced stone technology. These discoveries highlight the culture's pioneering role in developing large settlements resembling early towns, with populations potentially reaching a thousand people.
Key Discoveries and Ongoing Research
Sites like Karahan Tepe and Göbekli Tepe are open to visitors, while the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum displays sculptures and artifacts from these locations. Excavations have revealed complex architecture, including rock-cut subterranean domed rooms and large ritual halls supported by decorated pillars. Giant sculptures and carvings of animals and human figures suggest ancestor cults and fertility-centered beliefs.
The Taş Tepeler Project, launched in 2021, involves collaborative research from various global universities. Recent findings indicate that the inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who built communal structures with symbolic significance. These structures feature T-shaped pillars adorned with anthropomorphic reliefs and animal representations.
Visitor Information for 2025
Karahantepe is preparing to welcome visitors in 2025 with new facilities to ensure visitor safety and meet the increasing tourism potential of the region. A protective roof is being constructed at the Karahantepe Archaeological Site to safeguard the artifacts unearthed during excavations. The Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum showcases unique pieces, including a replica of Göbeklitepe's largest enclosure and the latest discoveries from Karahantepe.