The discovery and excavation works of Göbekli Tepe

The discovery and excavation of Göbekli Tepe began with its identification in 1963 during a survey conducted by Istanbul University and the University of Chicago. At the time, the site was initially mistaken for a Byzantine cemetery and was not recognized for its true significance.

It wasn’t until 1994 that German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt from the German Archaeological Institute visited the site and realized its importance. He recognized the T-shaped pillars as prehistoric, potentially dating back to the Neolithic period. This marked the beginning of systematic excavations and research at Göbekli Tepe.

Under Schmidt’s leadership, excavations officially commenced in 1995, in collaboration with the Şanlıurfa Museum and the German Archaeological Institute. The work uncovered a series of monumental structures featuring T-shaped limestone pillars, adorned with intricate carvings of animals and abstract symbols. Radiocarbon dating indicated that the site was constructed between 9600 and 7000 BCE, making it one of the oldest known temple complexes in the world.

Excavation work at Göbekli Tepe has revealed multiple circular and oval-shaped structures, with the largest measuring up to 20 meters in diameter. The T-shaped pillars, some of which weigh up to 20 tons, are arranged in concentric circles, and the site is organized into several layers, suggesting it was in use for an extended period.

Klaus Schmidt led the excavations until his death in 2014, and the work has continued since then under the direction of other archaeologists, including Lee Clare and Jens Notroff. The ongoing research and excavations have provided valuable insights into the beliefs, practices, and daily life of the prehistoric people who built Göbekli Tepe.

In recent years, efforts have also been made to conserve and protect the site. A protective roof was constructed over a portion of the site in 2018 to shield it from the elements, and a visitors’ center and walking paths have been added to facilitate tourism.

The work at Göbekli Tepe is far from complete, as only a small percentage of the site has been excavated so far. Future discoveries at Göbekli Tepe promise to shed further light on the mysteries of this fascinating and ancient place.