Excavation & Restoration Work Nears Completion at Göbeklitepe, in Şanlıurfa

New archaeological discoveries and major restoration efforts mark the final stage of this year’s excavations at the world’s oldest known temple site. Excavation and conservation work at Göbeklitepe, one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites, is approaching its final stage this season. Located in southeastern Turkey, this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to reshape our understanding of human history.

Under the coordination of T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı and as part of the Taş Tepeler Project, this year’s efforts focused not only on excavation but also on extensive preservation and restoration work, particularly under the protective roofing.

Dating back 12,000 years, Göbeklitepe has consistently revealed groundbreaking finds from the Neolithic era. Two years ago, archaeologists unearthed a life-size wild boar sculpture at the D structure. This season, the discovery of a human sculpture with a clearly defined head and torso between the B and D structures sparked major excitement in the archaeological community.

Significant restoration was also carried out in the area surrounding the iconic “T”-shaped pillars of the C structure. Excavation head Necmi Karul explained that the team concentrated on preserving and reinforcing these monumental stones and rebuilding sections of the site to ensure their long-term stability.

According to Karul, the team placed special emphasis on the C structure this year, which features carvings of powerful animals such as snakes, bulls, and boars. Walls were strengthened, standing stones were reassembled and raised, and previous restoration techniques were improved.

This work builds on similar conservation projects carried out in the lion structure in previous years. The team plans to continue reinforcing and preserving newly uncovered structures in the coming excavation seasons, ensuring the longevity of Göbeklitepe’s extraordinary legacy.

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