Why it matters?
As a result of the excavations that started and continued in 1995, 6 temples were found in the region and the forms of these structures are similar. However, this historical site is much more than ever exposed… Because the geomagnetic studies show that the temples in the region can reach 20. In other words, the mysterious points about the lives of hunter-gatherers in the Neolithic Period can be clarified in Şanlıurfa and the date can be updated with much different information about human history. So, what are the common features of these structures? T-shaped columns, which are thought to represent people, are arranged in a circular pattern and whose numbers range from 10 to 12, are erected with stone walls. In the middle of this building, two large standing stones are placed opposite each other. The symbols of animals, human beings and abstract creatures depicted on the stones that make up the temple are created by relief or carving techniques. In addition to being the first and largest temple of the area, it is among the things you should know about Göbeklitepe that these symbols, which are located on the columns, are the oldest paintings from the Neolithic Age known to date.
The fact that the groups of people were very small in the Neolithic Age shows that the groups were likely to cooperate for the first time. Also, the idea that people were equal in this period was an understanding accepted by archaeologists. But Göbeklitepe Şanlıurfa also changes this view. Because, according to experts, such a complex structure requires specialization in some areas. In other words, some people who have made the building come to life may have worked as experts and some people have worked as workers. This may have led to the lack of equality in a public sphere for the first time in history
8 things you should know about Göbeklitepe
Although Göbeklitepe still retains many mysteries, archaeologists have discovered the physical features of the building. If you want to have some information before going to Göbeklitepe, note the details below.
# 1 The weight of the columns varies between 40 and 60 tons.
For example, it is known that the weight of the T-shaped columns, which are thought to be works representing people due to the presence of hand and fingers, varies between 40 and 60 tons. However, under the conditions of that period, by whom and how these stones were transported to the area are waiting to be solved as a secret of Göbeklitepe.
An architectural technique was used later in the # 2 era.
It is a fact that very advanced architectural techniques were used in Göbeklitepe compared to its period. Maybe these questions will have answers in the future.
# 3 There are animal reliefs on the columns such as snakes, wild boars and ducks.
There are different opinions about the purpose of the animals in the embossed figures engraved on the T-shaped columns. On the columns are figures of animals living in the region such as wild boar, wild duck, bull, and snake. In addition to the views that these figures are seen as the guards of Göbeklitepe and they are totem animals set for luck, these animals are thought to be symbols of tribes. Also, the depictions of lions in the pillars make it possible to have lions in this region during the Neolithic Age.
# 4 The homeland of wheat is accepted as Göbeklitepe.
Today, wheat, which has many variations with the contribution of the science of genetics, was first grown around Göbeklitepe according to the findings.
# 5 Agriculture is thought to be used for beer production.
In the light of the researches and studies, fermentation symptoms were detected on the grain samples in Göbeklitepe. At the same time, equipment that we can consider as beer barrels was found around the ruins of the temple. Scientists who developed theory based on this evidence think that Göbeklitepe is also a pioneer in the production of early alcoholic beverages.
# 6 Göbeklitepe explorer: Klaus Schmidt
Although the carved stone found by a farmer from Şanlıurfa in 1983 is one of the early finds of Göbeklitepe, the real works started in 1995 under the presidency of the Şanlıurfa Museum. In 2007, Klaus Schmidt was brought to the excavation chairmanship.
# 7 Göbeklitepe may be hidden by a human hand.
The limestone and soil structure in the circular structure is homogeneous, and many residues in the Göbeklitepe temple are cleaned before the temple is closed, meaning that the area was buried consciously, in other words, it was closed. Unfortunately, there is no answer to the question "Why was Göbeklitepe buried?"
# 8 waterproof floors
The floors of the Göbeklitepe temple are especially designed to be liquid-tight. The purpose of the need for such a floor is that in the oldest temple in history, blood, alcohol, etc. it supports the idea that rituals are performed with liquid substances.
If you are curious about places to visit in Şanlıurfa as an alternative to Göbeklitepe, you can read our article.
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