Gobeklitepe: Trkiye's Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the discovery of a rare human statue at Gobeklitepe, an ancient sanctuary in southeastern Trkiye, which offers new insights into Neolithic rituals and spirituality.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ersoy stated, "We had previously encountered similar examples at Karahantepe, but this new discovery from Gobeklitepe is a highly valuable find that will shed light on the rituals and belief systems of the Neolithic Age." The statue was found mounted horizontally on a wall between structures B and D and is believed to have been placed as a votive offering.
During his visit to Gobeklitepe with Japan's Princess Akiko of Mikasa, Ersoy highlighted its significance as the world's oldest temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back 12,000 years, and referred to it as the 'zero point of history.'
Excavation efforts at Gobeklitepe are seen as a pivotal moment for archaeology. "Thanks to the Future Heritage Project, we are not only conducting excavations but also restoring and preserving the structures uncovered, entrusting them to future generations," Ersoy remarked. Restoration at Gobeklitepe's largest structure, Building C, included reinforcing walls and repositioning massive standing stones using original materials, such as a special mortar with goat hair.
Ersoy also announced the development of a new visitor center, parking lot, and walkways, expected to open by the end of 2025, to sustainably manage visitor interest. The planting of approximately one thousand olive trees this year contributes to the site's protection, while upcoming geomagnetic surveys will guide future excavation strategies.
Emphasizing the site's global importance, Ersoy revealed that as part of the Tas Tepeler Project, also known as Stone Hills, 36 international academic institutions and a team of 220 experts and students are conducting archaeological excavations at 10 sites.
Ersoy further announced the upcoming exhibition, "Myths in Stone: Gobeklitepe and the World of the Last Hunters," to be held from February 5 to July 31 next year at Berlin's Museum of the Ancient Near East James-Simon Gallery, showcasing 96 artifacts from the Sanliurfa Museum's collection. He recalled last year's exhibition at Rome's Colosseum, which attracted over 6 million visitors, highlighting the historical connection between Gobeklitepe and the iconic Roman site.
The minister emphasized that Gobeklitepe is not only an archaeological site but also a legacy to be preserved and shared with future generations and all of humanity. He noted that Japan's support for archaeological work in Trkiye signifies a new dimension of cooperation. Thanking Princess Akiko for her interest, Ersoy expressed hope that cultural and historical collaborations would strengthen their friendship, emphasizing the shared responsibility of preserving humanity's heritage.