Göbeklitepe is a historical site approximately 12,000 years old located in the Turkish province of Şanlıurfa

Göbeklitepe is a historical site approximately 12,000 years old located in the Turkish province of Şanlıurfa. Its importance lies in the fact that it is considered to be one of the earliest known temples on Earth.

The site was originally rediscovered in the 1960s by a local farmer and was first recognized as an important archaeological site in 1994 by the German team led by Professor Klaus Schmidt. Since then, excavations at the site have uncovered a complex and fascinating structure unlike anything ever seen before.

The temple consists of various circular pillars, with some reaching up to six metres in height and weighing up to 20 tons. Each of these pillars is decorated with symbols and reliefs that are thought to have religious importance. The site also contains a number of stone rings which some researchers believe were used for religious ceremonies.

Gobeklitepe is believed to have been constructed between 12,000 and 11,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest religious structures ever discovered. It is thought to predate Stonehenge by up to 6,000 years and is currently regarded as the oldest known temple on Earth.

The site has been the subject of widespread scholarly interest, with researchers studying its architecture, symbolism and the religious significance it may have held for its ancient builders. Its importance has also been recognized by UNESCO, who declared it a World Heritage Site in 2018.

Göbeklitepe provides a fascinating insight into the religious beliefs of some of the earliest known societies on Earth. For the people of Şanlıurfa, it is an important reminder of their long and rich cultural history. Its incredible age and importance make it one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world.