Göbekli Tepe, located on a hill east of Urfa, is considered one of the earliest sites of human worship and settlement. Excavations began in the 1960s and continue to this day with less than 10% excavated so far.

The initial assumption by the first archaeologist on site was that this was a temple for hunter-gatherers, not a permanent settlement. They would congregate in regular intervals here for worship and community. However, more recent excavations have uncovered evidence of permanent village life.

Like many prehistoric sites, Göbekli Tepe requires some imagination to fully appreciate. Personally, I found the site quite tangible given its age (>10.000 years). I also felt lucky to arrive on a foggy winter day as it added to the mythical aura of the place. Interestingly, it seems that the hill was considered sacred by locals till modern times.

The site’s facilities have been updated, with the main component now covered by a modern tent. They manage to strike a good balance between preserving the site’s holy spirit and protecting the remains from the elements. If a Maltese like Clyde compliments you on tents, you are doing something right; Malta with its Megalithic Temples being at the forefront of tents for world heritage sites.

While a shuttle bus is available to cover the 500m distance from the entrance to the site, I recommend walking. Following in our ancestors’ footsteps and taking in the views along the trail truly enhances the experience.

Getting There

Buses from Urfa to the site run occasionally, minimum once a day, and depart from the museum. However, due to time constraints, I opted for a cab from the bus terminal upon my arrival from Malatya. I can confirm the presence of a bus at the site, as it was parked at the entry when my cab arrived.

While You Are There

A visit to the archaeological museums in Urfa is essential. The Roman mosaics on display are breathtaking and incredibly vast; think football fields.

The palaeolithic exhibits beautifully complement a visit to Göbekli Tepe, as the museum showcases a rich collection of Palaeolithic findings from the region, including a recreation of the temple at Göbekli Tepe. The most renowned exhibit is the oldest human statue, the Urfa Man. The museum also suggests visiting another site in the region, Karahan Tepe.

Urfa itself is a marvellous city and a tentative site on its own. This tentative site includes Harran, located on the Syrian border. Further east, Marwin and Midyat are must-visit destinations. This corner of Turkey was a highlight in my travels and I have very fond memories.