Recent archaeological findings from Turkey's Şanlıurfa region in 2025 are significantly advancing our understanding of Neolithic existence, particularly through ongoing investigations at Göbekli Tepe and its nearby counterpart, Karahan Tepe. These discoveries are prompting a fundamental re-evaluation of early human societal structures and capabilities. Göbekli Tepe, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is yielding evidence suggesting a more multifaceted role than previously understood, with artifacts pointing towards sustained human habitation, challenging earlier theories of it being solely a ritualistic gathering point.
Complementing these insights, Karahan Tepe, believed to be one of the earliest known human villages, continues to reveal its secrets with T-shaped stelae and animal carvings indicating a shared cultural heritage with Göbekli Tepe. As of 2023, only about 5% of Karahan Tepe has been excavated, hinting at the vast potential for future discoveries. These sites are part of the "Stone Hills Project" (Taş Tepeler), an initiative encompassing at least 12 prehistoric sites aimed at understanding a culture that flourished approximately 12,000 years ago. The evidence collectively suggests that the development of complex social organization, spiritual practices, and monumental architecture may have preceded the agricultural revolution. An exhibition showcasing replicas of significant artifacts from Göbekli Tepe is currently on display at Rome's Colosseum from October 24, 2024, to April 20, 2025. Göbekli Tepe attracted a record 326,000 visitors between January and July 2024, surpassing the 290,000 recorded in 2022, reflecting the growing global interest in these ancient sites.