{"id":1587,"date":"2026-05-21T15:23:02","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T12:23:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/?p=1587"},"modified":"2026-05-21T15:24:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T12:24:31","slug":"5-questions-about-gobeklitepe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/5-questions-about-gobeklitepe\/","title":{"rendered":"5 questions about G\u00f6beklitepe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-css-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Where is G\u00f6beklitepe? How do you get there?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>G\u00f6beklitepe, listed on the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-turkiye\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UNESCO World Heritage List<\/a>, is located about 22 kilometers northeast of the \u015eanl\u0131urfa city center, near \u00d6rencik Village. Follow the signs along the D400 highway to reach the archaeological site by car in about 30 minutes. For those preferring public transportation, the BELSAN 100 bus line, operated by the \u015eanl\u0131urfa Metropolitan Municipality, serves the G\u00f6beklitepe route. Free on-site parking is available. Before entering the archaeological area, visitors must stop at the main facilities to purchase tickets. At the visitor center, you can also buy souvenirs and enjoy interactive exhibitions and guided tours. During busy periods, an additional welcome area may be set up in front of the main facilities. After entering the archaeological site with your ticket, you will reach the excavation zones labeled A, B, C, and D, connected by a walking route and protected under a large sheltering roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"thy-widget-all \" adult=\"1\" child=\"0\" baby=\"0\" widget-num=\"1193231\">\n        <div class=\"thy-widget-top\">\n            <div class=\"thy-widget-logo\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" width=\"49\"\n                    height=\"49.003\" viewBox=\"0 0 49 49.003\">\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip-thy-logo\">\n                            <rect id=\"Rectangle_9\" data-name=\"Rectangle 9\" width=\"49\" height=\"49.003\" fill=\"none\">\n                            <\/rect>\n                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d=\"M46.359,19.744A23.111,23.111,0,0,1,4.854,37.135L42.272,26.406c.537-.155.4-.671-.046-.641l-15.688,1.1c2.211-2.135,3.893-4.749,3.69-8.369C29.815,12.632,23.851,6.91,12.755,3.148a23.1,23.1,0,0,1,33.6,16.6M.779,27.4a23.005,23.005,0,0,0,3.252,8.518c5.964-1.661,11.208-4.8,13.073-11.81,2.053-7.71-.288-15.791-5.888-20.073A23.11,23.11,0,0,0,.779,27.4\"\n                            transform=\"translate(0.928 0.93)\" fill=\"#bd061b\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <div>\n                <div class=\"thy-widget-title\">Widen your world.<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <hr color=\"#F4F6F8\" style=\"margin:0px;\">\n        <div class=\"thy-widget-radio-buttons\">\n            <label class=\"thy-radiobutton\">Round trip\n                <input type=\"radio\" id=\"thy-trip\" class=\"thy-road\" name=\"thy-road-1193231\" value=\"thy-trip\" checked>\n                <span class=\"thy-checkmark\"><\/span>\n            <\/label>\n            <label class=\"thy-radiobutton\">One way\n                <input type=\"radio\" id=\"thy-oneway\" class=\"thy-road\" name=\"thy-road-1193231\" value=\"thy-oneway\">\n                <span class=\"thy-checkmark\"><\/span>\n            <\/label>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"thy-widget-inputs\">\n            <div class=\"thy-input-form\">\n                <div style=\"margin-right: 10px;\" class=\"thy-first-field\">\n                    <div class=\"thy-field\">\n                        <input class=\"thy-input thy-field-from\" type=\"text\" name=\"thy-field-from\" value=\"\"\n                            autocomplete=\"off\" required>\n                        <label for=\"thy-field-from\" title=\"From?\"><\/label>\n                        <div class=\"thy-field-from-popup\">\n                            <input class=\"thy-input-popup thy-field-from-popup-input\" type=\"text\" name=\"thy-field-from-open\" data=\"\"\n                                 autocomplete=\"off\" required>\n                            <label title=\"From?\"><\/label>\n                            <hr class=\"thy-popup-line\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-popup-airports\">\n                                <span>Airport<\/span>\n                                <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-list\">\n                                    <!-- \n                                    <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-row\">\n                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"12.383\"\n                                            viewBox=\"0 0 24 12.383\">\n                                            <g id=\"black\" transform=\"translate(0 -6.33)\">\n                                                <path id=\"Path_83\" data-name=\"Path 83\"\n                                                    d=\"M21.4,10.01H6.09L1,6.33H0l1.9,4.19a4.18,4.18,0,0,0,3.7,2.453H21.4c1.19,0,2.6-.62,2.6-1.38,0-.78-1.41-1.582-2.6-1.582Zm-13.03,8.7h1l6-4.55H11.89a2.19,2.19,0,0,0-2,1.25l-1.52,3.3Z\"\n                                                    fill=\"#232b38\" \/>\n                                            <\/g>\n                                        <\/svg>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-names\">\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-location\">New York, Amerika Birle\u015fik\n                                                Devletleri<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-name\">John F. Kennedy Uluslararas\u0131\n                                                Havaliman\u0131, JFK<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <hr>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-row\">\n                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"12.383\"\n                                            viewBox=\"0 0 24 12.383\">\n                                            <g id=\"black\" transform=\"translate(0 -6.33)\">\n                                                <path id=\"Path_83\" data-name=\"Path 83\"\n                                                    d=\"M21.4,10.01H6.09L1,6.33H0l1.9,4.19a4.18,4.18,0,0,0,3.7,2.453H21.4c1.19,0,2.6-.62,2.6-1.38,0-.78-1.41-1.582-2.6-1.582Zm-13.03,8.7h1l6-4.55H11.89a2.19,2.19,0,0,0-2,1.25l-1.52,3.3Z\"\n                                                    fill=\"#232b38\" \/>\n                                            <\/g>\n                                        <\/svg>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-names\">\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-location\">Sapporo, Japonya<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-name\">New Chitose Havaliman\u0131, CTS<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <hr>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-row\">\n                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"12.383\"\n                                            viewBox=\"0 0 24 12.383\">\n                                            <g id=\"black\" transform=\"translate(0 -6.33)\">\n                                                <path id=\"Path_83\" data-name=\"Path 83\"\n                                                    d=\"M21.4,10.01H6.09L1,6.33H0l1.9,4.19a4.18,4.18,0,0,0,3.7,2.453H21.4c1.19,0,2.6-.62,2.6-1.38,0-.78-1.41-1.582-2.6-1.582Zm-13.03,8.7h1l6-4.55H11.89a2.19,2.19,0,0,0-2,1.25l-1.52,3.3Z\"\n                                                    fill=\"#232b38\" \/>\n                                            <\/g>\n                                        <\/svg>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-names\">\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-location\">Buenos Aires, Arjantin<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-name\">Jorge Newbery Havaliman\u0131, AEP<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <hr>\n                                    <a class=\"thy-all-airports\" href=\"\">See all destinations<\/a>\n                                    -->\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <button class=\"thy-widget-change-locations\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"33\" height=\"33\" viewBox=\"0 0 33 33\">\n                        <g id=\"change-boxed\" transform=\"translate(0.5 0.5)\">\n                            <path id=\"Path_44\" data-name=\"Path 44\" d=\"M16,0A16,16,0,1,1,0,16,16,16,0,0,1,16,0Z\"\n                                fill=\"#fff\" stroke=\"#647280\" stroke-width=\"1\"><\/path>\n                            <g id=\"Group_42\" data-name=\"Group 42\" transform=\"translate(4 4)\">\n                                <circle id=\"Ellipse_2\" data-name=\"Ellipse 2\" cx=\"12.5\" cy=\"12.5\" r=\"12.5\"\n                                    transform=\"translate(-0.5 -0.5)\" fill=\"#fff\"><\/circle>\n                                <g id=\"Group_41\" data-name=\"Group 41\" transform=\"translate(7 5)\">\n                                    <path id=\"Path_42\" data-name=\"Path 42\"\n                                        d=\"M5,1.91V0L2.5,2.545,5,5.091V3.18A3.8,3.8,0,0,1,8.75,7a4.159,4.159,0,0,1-.438,1.782l.938.954A5.757,5.757,0,0,0,10,7,5.06,5.06,0,0,0,5,1.91Zm0,8.908A3.8,3.8,0,0,1,1.25,7a4.159,4.159,0,0,1,.438-1.782L.75,4.264A5.757,5.757,0,0,0,0,7a5.06,5.06,0,0,0,5,5.09V14l2.5-2.545L5,8.909v1.91Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#647280\"><\/path>\n                                    <g id=\"Group_40\" data-name=\"Group 40\">\n                                        <path id=\"Path_43\" data-name=\"Path 43\" d=\"M-7-5H17V19H-7Z\" fill=\"none\"\n                                            fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/path>\n                                    <\/g>\n                                <\/g>\n                            <\/g>\n                        <\/g>\n                    <\/svg>\n\n                <\/button>\n                <div class=\"thy-second-field\">\n                    <div class=\"thy-field\">\n                        <input class=\"thy-input thy-field-to\" type=\"text\" name=\"thy-field-from\" autocomplete=\"off\"  value=\"\"\n                            required>\n                        <label for=\"thy-field-to\" title=\"To?\"><\/label>\n                        <div class=\"thy-field-from-popup\">\n                            <input class=\"thy-input-popup thy-field-to-popup-input\" type=\"text\" name=\"thy-field-to-open\" data=\"\"\n                                 autocomplete=\"off\" required>\n                            <label for=\"thy-field-to-popup\" title=\"To?\"><\/label>\n                            <hr class=\"thy-popup-line\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-popup-airports\">\n                                <span>Airport<\/span>\n                                <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-list\">\n                                    <!-- \n                                    <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-row\">\n                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"12.383\"\n                                            viewBox=\"0 0 24 12.383\">\n                                            <g id=\"black\" transform=\"translate(0 -6.33)\">\n                                                <path id=\"Path_83\" data-name=\"Path 83\"\n                                                    d=\"M21.4,10.01H6.09L1,6.33H0l1.9,4.19a4.18,4.18,0,0,0,3.7,2.453H21.4c1.19,0,2.6-.62,2.6-1.38,0-.78-1.41-1.582-2.6-1.582Zm-13.03,8.7h1l6-4.55H11.89a2.19,2.19,0,0,0-2,1.25l-1.52,3.3Z\"\n                                                    fill=\"#232b38\" \/>\n                                            <\/g>\n                                        <\/svg>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-names\">\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-location\">New York, Amerika Birle\u015fik\n                                                Devletleri<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-name\">John F. Kennedy Uluslararas\u0131\n                                                Havaliman\u0131, JFK<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <hr>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-row\">\n                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"12.383\"\n                                            viewBox=\"0 0 24 12.383\">\n                                            <g id=\"black\" transform=\"translate(0 -6.33)\">\n                                                <path id=\"Path_83\" data-name=\"Path 83\"\n                                                    d=\"M21.4,10.01H6.09L1,6.33H0l1.9,4.19a4.18,4.18,0,0,0,3.7,2.453H21.4c1.19,0,2.6-.62,2.6-1.38,0-.78-1.41-1.582-2.6-1.582Zm-13.03,8.7h1l6-4.55H11.89a2.19,2.19,0,0,0-2,1.25l-1.52,3.3Z\"\n                                                    fill=\"#232b38\" \/>\n                                            <\/g>\n                                        <\/svg>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-names\">\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-location\">Sapporo, Japonya<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-name\">New Chitose Havaliman\u0131, CTS<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <hr>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-row\">\n                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"12.383\"\n                                            viewBox=\"0 0 24 12.383\">\n                                            <g id=\"black\" transform=\"translate(0 -6.33)\">\n                                                <path id=\"Path_83\" data-name=\"Path 83\"\n                                                    d=\"M21.4,10.01H6.09L1,6.33H0l1.9,4.19a4.18,4.18,0,0,0,3.7,2.453H21.4c1.19,0,2.6-.62,2.6-1.38,0-.78-1.41-1.582-2.6-1.582Zm-13.03,8.7h1l6-4.55H11.89a2.19,2.19,0,0,0-2,1.25l-1.52,3.3Z\"\n                                                    fill=\"#232b38\" \/>\n                                            <\/g>\n                                        <\/svg>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-names\">\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-location\">Buenos Aires, Arjantin<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-name\">Jorge Newbery Havaliman\u0131, AEP<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <hr>\n                                    <a class=\"thy-all-airports\" href=\"\">See all destinations<\/a>\n                                    -->\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"thy-widget-trip\">\n                <div class=\"thy-input-date \">\n                    <input type=\"text\" name=\"thy-field-trip-date\" id=\"thy-field-trip-date-386860\" autocomplete=\"off\" value=\"\" required inputmode=\"none\">\n                    <div class=\"thy-date-field-cover\" style=\"\">\n                        <div class=\"thy-date-field-first\">\n                            <div>Departure<\/div>\n                            <div class=\"thy-date-calendar\"><\/div>\n                            <div class=\"thy-date-day\"><\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"thy-date-field-last\" style=\"\">\n                            <div>Return<\/div>\n                            <div class=\"thy-date-calendar\"><\/div>\n                            <div class=\"thy-date-day\"><\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <label for=\"thy-field-trip-date\" title=\"Date\"><\/label>\n                    <span class=\"thy-trip-date-focus\"><\/span>\n                    <div style=\"position: absolute;left: 15px;top: 22px;\">\n                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n                            <path id=\"booking-calendar-icon-gray\"\n                                d=\"M18,3a2,2,0,0,1,2,2V18a2,2,0,0,1-2,2H2a2,2,0,0,1-2-2V5A2,2,0,0,1,2,3H4V5H5V0H7V3h7V5h1V0h2V3Zm0,15L18,7H2V18ZM4,9H7v3H4ZM9,9h7v2H9Z\"\n                                fill=\"#647280\" \/>\n                        <\/svg>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"thy-trip-date-select\">\n                        <div class=\"thy-trip-date-select-top\">\n                            <p class=\"thy-date-select-title thy-date-select-title-enter\">Choose your departure date<\/p>\n                            <p class=\"thy-date-select-title thy-date-select-title-out\">Choose your return date<\/p>\n                            <!--\n                            <div class=\"thy-date-select-checkboxes thy-hide-m\">\n                                <div>\n                                    <input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"thy-trip-flexible\" id=\"thy-trip-flexible\">\n                                    <label for=\"thy-trip-flexible\">Gidi\u015f-D\u00f6n\u00fc\u015f \u0130\u00e7in Esnek Tarihler<\/label>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div>\n                                    <input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"thy-trip-direct\" id=\"thy-trip-direct\">\n                                    <label for=\"thy-trip-direct\">Sadece direkt u\u00e7u\u015flar\u0131 g\u00f6ster<\/label>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            -->\n                        <\/div>\n                        <hr>\n                        <div  class=\"thy-trip-date-modal\"><\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div>\n                <div class=\"thy-field thy-field-passengers\"> \n                    <input type=\"text\" name=\"thy-field-passengers\" class=\"thy-field-passengers-input\" autocomplete=\"off\" value=\"1 Passenger\" required inputmode=\"none\">\n                    <label for=\"thy-field-passengers\" title=\"Passenger(s)\"><\/label>\n                    <span class=\"thy-passengers-focus\"><\/span>\n\n                    <div class=\"thy-passengers-window\">\n                        <div class=\"thy-passengers-title\">\n                            <span>Cabin type<\/span>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"thy-passengers-cabins\">\n                            <label class=\"thy-economy-class thy-radiobutton-cabin-type thy-selectable\">\n                            Economy Class\n                                <input type=\"radio\" id=\"thy-economy-type\" name=\"thy-passenger-type-1193231\"\n                                    value=\"thy-economy-class\" checked>\n                                <span class=\"thy-checkmark-cabin-type\"><\/span>\n                            <\/label>\n                            <label class=\"thy-business-class thy-radiobutton-cabin-type thy-selectable\">\n                            Business Class\n                                <input type=\"radio\" id=\"thy-business-type\" name=\"thy-passenger-type-1193231\"\n                                    value=\"thy-business-class\">\n                                <span class=\"thy-checkmark-cabin-type\"><\/span>\n                            <\/label>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"thy-passenger-numbers\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-number-title\">Number of passenger(s)<\/div>\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-list thy-adult-passenger\">\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-info\">\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-text\">\n                                        <div>Adult<\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-passenger-text-hint\">12+<\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-buttons \">\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-minus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-number\">1<\/div>\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-plus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <hr class=\"thy-passenger-hr\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-list thy-child-passenger\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-info\">\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-text\">\n                                    <div>Child<\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-text-hint\">2 - 12 years old<\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-buttons \">\n                                <button class=\"thy-passengers-minus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-number\">0<\/div>\n                                <button class=\"thy-passengers-plus-btn\"><\/button>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                            <hr class=\"thy-passenger-hr\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-list thy-baby-passenger\">\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-info\">\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-text\">\n                                        <div>Infant<\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-passenger-text-hint\">0 - 2 years old<\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-buttons \">\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-minus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-number\">0<\/div>\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-plus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <!--\n                            <hr class=\"thy-passenger-hr\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-list thy-disabled-passenger\">\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-info\">\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-text\">\n                                        <div>Engelli<\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-buttons \">\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-minus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-number\">0<\/div>\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-plus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <hr class=\"thy-passenger-hr\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-list thy-student-passenger\">\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-info\">\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-text\">\n                                        <div>Student<\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-buttons thy-student-passenger\">\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-minus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-number\">0<\/div>\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-plus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <hr class=\"thy-passenger-hr\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-other-passenger-type\">\n                                <div class=\"thy-other-passenger-type-text\">Other passenger types<\/div>\n                                <div>\n                                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"11.166\" height=\"6.585\"\n                                        viewBox=\"0 0 11.166 6.585\">\n                                        <path id=\"chevron-lower-grey\"\n                                            d=\"M17.582,9.583a1,1,0,0,0-1.41,0l-3.88,3.88-3.88-3.88A1,1,0,0,0,7,10.993l4.59,4.59a1,1,0,0,0,1.41,0l4.59-4.59A1,1,0,0,0,17.582,9.583Z\"\n                                            transform=\"translate(-6.71 -9.291)\" fill=\"#ef2636\" \/>\n                                    <\/svg>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            -->\n                            <div class=\"passenger-buttons\">                                \n                                <button class=\"btn btn-sm btn-primary\" type=\"button\">OK<\/button> \n                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div>\n                <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"departure_date\" id=\"departure_date\" value=\"\">\n                <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"return_date\" id=\"return_date\" value=\"\">\n                <button class=\"thy-form-btn search_fly\" type=\"submit\" id=\"search_fly\">\n                Search\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" width=\"19\"\n                        height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 19\">\n                        <defs>\n                            <clipPath id=\"thy-right-arrow\">\n                                <path id=\"Path_46\" data-name=\"Path 46\"\n                                    d=\"M0-10.7v2.4H14.408L7.8-1.7,9.5,0,19-9.5,9.5-19,7.8-17.3l6.6,6.6Z\"\n                                    fill=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.99)\" \/>\n                            <\/clipPath>\n                        <\/defs>\n                        <g id=\"Group_43\" data-name=\"Group 43\" transform=\"translate(0 19)\"\n                            clip-path=\"url(#thy-right-arrow)\">\n                            <path id=\"Path_45\" data-name=\"Path 45\" d=\"M-5,5H24V-24H-5Z\" fill=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.99)\" \/>\n                        <\/g>\n                    <\/svg>\n\n\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-css-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>What is G\u00f6beklitepe? How old is G\u00f6beklitepe?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large td-caption-align-https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-924032386.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-924032386-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"Platform on the ruins of G\u00f6beklitepe\u00a0Archaeological Site. \u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-9465\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-924032386-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-924032386-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-924032386-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-924032386-696x462.jpg 696w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-924032386-1068x709.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-924032386-632x420.jpg 632w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-924032386.jpg 1257w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Platform on the ruins of G\u00f6beklitepe&nbsp;Archaeological Site.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Findings from excavations jointly conducted by Istanbul University, the \u015eanl\u0131urfa Museum Directorate, and the German Archaeological Institute indicate that cultural evolution preceded the emergence of agriculture at G\u00f6beklitepe. Based on discoveries at the site, the driving force behind this transformation appears to have been belief itself. According to remains at G\u00f6beklitepe, dated between 9600 and 7300 BCE (around 12,000 years ago), places of worship were built first to allow people to gather under a shared spiritual framework. Only afterward did a shift toward agricultural life begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Discoveries from excavations at G\u00f6beklitepe suggest that religion, rather than agriculture, may have been the driving force behind the emergence of civilizations. This finding fundamentally reverses the sequence we once believed. The findings from G\u00f6beklitepe, a site dating back to the Stone Age, also raise a fascinating question: how did people who had not yet encountered pottery or the wheel build such monumental structures? Although the answer remains unknown, this mystery only makes the site even more extraordinary. So far, only about 10 percent of the area has been excavated, while geophysical surveys indicate that at least 20 large structures remain buried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-css-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>History of G\u00f6beklitepe: Who created G\u00f6beklitepe?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large td-caption-align-https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087792378.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087792378-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Today, G\u00f6beklitepe Archaeological Site is covered with membrane covers that are produced with nano technology and that can renew itself.\" class=\"wp-image-9476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087792378-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087792378-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087792378-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087792378-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087792378-1068x712.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087792378-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087792378-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087792378.jpg 1254w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Today, G\u00f6beklitepe Archaeological Site is covered with membrane covers that are produced with nano technology and that can renew itself.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The artefacts and ruins discovered at G\u00f6beklitepe provide us with different clues about the people that built this center of faith. Amongst the remains, there are signs of meat consumption, plus animal bones, pieces of stone, stone tools and rubble. The area in which animal bones of gazelle and deer were excavated implies that the builders were stone axe wielding hunter-gatherers. In short, G\u00f6beklitepe is the work of a pre-agricultural society.&nbsp;&nbsp;The people we once assumed to be lacking in engineering skill and knowledge, are in fact a well-informed society that created temples with advanced engineering methods. Not only resourceful, these hunters and gatherers of the Stone Age appear to be capable of great organizational capacity.&nbsp;&nbsp;The obelisks excavated on the site would have taken the strength of 50 men to carry, and the leftover bones of wild animals also suggest that feasts were held, intimating that the society had many members. In order to build such a structure as G\u00f6beklitepe, a prerequisite is a settled society with structural organization. However, in the findings, there is no sign of feeding or shelter. So, it appears this society may have spent days laboring, chipping and collecting stones to shape pillars, before heading back to their settlement.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is most likely that this said settlement is \u015eanl\u0131urfa, this could be supported by the statues in \u015eanl\u0131urfa that also date back to the Stone Age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-css-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkishairlines.com\/en-tr\/flight-deals-explore-ancient-world\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/antik-kent-en-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-60850\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/antik-kent-en-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/antik-kent-en-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/antik-kent-en-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/antik-kent-en-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/antik-kent-en-696x465.jpg 696w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/antik-kent-en-1068x713.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/antik-kent-en.jpg 1496w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-css-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What do the findings tell us?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large td-caption-align-https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087842546.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087842546-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Walls of G\u00f6beklitepe which considered as the beginning of settled life.\" class=\"wp-image-9471\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087842546-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087842546-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087842546-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087842546-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087842546-1068x713.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087842546-629x420.jpg 629w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087842546-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1087842546.jpg 1253w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Walls of G\u00f6beklitepe which considered as the beginning of settled life.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>G\u00f6beklitepe is a large place of worship composed of circular structures and smaller square shaped temples. Up to 20 structures have been found underground. The ongoing excavations have recently unearthed the place of worship, centered around two big obelisks. These obelisks are arranged in a T-shape, 6 meters long weighing around 40 tons. Archeologists argue that they symbolize stylized humans. In any case, the people depicted are wearing loincloths. Another view backing the notion that G\u00f6beklitepe is the oldest place of worship, holds that these faceless bodies may be depictions of Gods. The obelisks are also ornamented with gigantic predatory animal figures. In the high reliefs, the animals are depicted as guards, and believed to be the guards of the obelisks. The carvings of G\u00f6beklitepe, great obelisks and mysterious engravings represent a turning point in civilization and make way for new interpretations of the position of humans in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-css-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Why was G\u00f6beklitepe built?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large td-caption-align-https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-181961357.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-181961357-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Gobeklitepe is a pre-historic site dating from roughly 12000 years ago, near Sanliurfa\" class=\"wp-image-9473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-181961357-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-181961357-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-181961357-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-181961357-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-181961357-1068x712.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-181961357-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-181961357-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-181961357.jpg 1254w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gobeklitepe is a pre-historic site dating from roughly 12000 years ago, near Sanliurfa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are various theories about the story of G\u00f6beklitepe. Some experts believe the site was built as a place of worship for the dead. The circular chambers and the doorway uncovered during excavations are thought to symbolize gateways to the underworld. The people who created this extraordinary sanctuary later deliberately buried it. Over time, as the area changed through agricultural development, smaller structures were built there. Communities that had shifted toward farming may have consciously covered the site as their beliefs and values evolved away from those of their ancestors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism states that G\u00f6beklitepe demonstrates the existence of a social organization sophisticated enough to be considered complex at a very early stage of human history. According to this view, people were not solely focused on survival but also capable of cooperating to carry out tasks that required substantial time and labor. Based on these characteristics, G\u00f6beklitepe is widely regarded as a regional center for gathering and worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-css-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ta\u015f Tepeler Project: Karahantepe and fellow sites<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large td-caption-align-https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1201849322.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/karahantepe_general_view-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Karahantepe general view\" class=\"wp-image-63717\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/karahantepe_general_view-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/karahantepe_general_view-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/karahantepe_general_view-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/karahantepe_general_view-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/karahantepe_general_view-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/karahantepe_general_view-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/karahantepe_general_view-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/karahantepe_general_view-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/karahantepe_general_view.jpg 1084w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Karahantepe general view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>G\u00f6beklitepe is not alone. Launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ta\u015f Tepeler Project unites G\u00f6beklitepe with Neolithic sites such as Karahantepe, Saybur\u00e7, Sefertepe, Harbetsuvan, and Ayanlar H\u00f6y\u00fck under a unified scientific vision. The project aims to deepen understanding of the connections among these settlements around \u015eanl\u0131urfa and of Neolithic social transformations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the project\u2019s most remarkable sites, Karahantepe, is located 55 kilometers from central \u015eanl\u0131urfa in Tek Tek Mountains National Park. Karahantepe was named by Archaeology Magazine as one of the ten most important archaeological discoveries of 2025 and appeared on the magazine\u2019s cover. Like G\u00f6beklitepe, Karahantepe features T-shaped pillars, reliefs of arms and hands, and carefully designed interior spaces; however, it differs in its settlement structure and residential remains. For more information about Karahantepe\u2019s history, discovery, and visitor details, read our <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/karahantepe-settlement-site\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the 2024\u20132025 excavations at Sefertepe, groundbreaking discoveries were made.\u00a0In the \u201cskull room,\u201d dated to 10,500 years ago, archaeologists uncovered more than 31 human skulls. The remains range from those of a six-month-old infant to those of individuals around 40 years old, offering critical insight into Neolithic burial traditions. During the 2025 excavation season, researchers at Sefertepe also uncovered two distinct human-face reliefs carved on the same stone block, along with a black basalt bead featuring a double-faced human motif.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>G\u00f6beklitepe also saw an important discovery in 2025: a human statue intentionally placed within Structure D&#8217;s wall was uncovered. Researchers believe the statue may have been ritually buried. The discovery shows that a highly developed sculptural tradition existed 12,000 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a statement marking the fifth anniversary of the Ta\u015f Tepeler Project, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy emphasized that ongoing scientific studies are reshaping accepted narratives about human history and shared the goal of establishing the Ta\u015f Tepeler region as the \u201cNeolithic capital of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The project has also attracted major international attention. In 2026, an exhibition titled \u201cThe Discovery of Society: Life 12,000 Years Ago at G\u00f6beklitepe and the Ta\u015f Tepeler Sites\u201d opened at the James-Simon-Galerie in Berlin. Additional Ta\u015f Tepeler themed exhibitions are planned for the United Kingdom and, in 2027, at the Tokyo National Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Construction of a new visitor center at G\u00f6beklitepe, along with a research center and excavation house at Karahantepe, is nearing completion. The research center will host archaeometric studies conducted under the Ta\u015f Tepeler Project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-css-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u015eanl\u0131urfa Archaeology Museum: Completing the missing pieces of G\u00f6beklitepe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is another stop that everyone visiting G\u00f6beklitepe should add to their itinerary: the \u015eanl\u0131urfa Archaeology Museum. Opened in 2015, the museum is one of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s largest archaeological museums, with 29,000 square meters of indoor space and a three-story structure. Featuring 14 main exhibition halls, 33 reconstruction areas, and a 4.5-kilometer visitor route, it also has the longest museum route in T\u00fcrkiye. More than 5,000 artifacts are displayed chronologically, spanning from the Paleolithic period to the Islamic era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the museum\u2019s most striking sections is the G\u00f6beklitepe hall. Here, visitors can explore a full-scale replica of G\u00f6beklitepe from above, viewing it through a glass platform. Original pillar fragments uncovered during the G\u00f6beklitepe excavations, along with animal statues, flint tools, stone beads, and figurines, are also on display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another star artifact in the museum is the 11,000-year-old \u201cUrfa Man\u201d (Bal\u0131kl\u0131g\u00f6l Statue). Standing 1.80 meters tall, it is considered the world\u2019s earliest known life-sized human statue. Its obsidian eyes continue to fascinate researchers, who still debate whether it represents a deity or a ritual figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2025, the \u015eanl\u0131urfa Archaeology Museum welcomed 333,792 visitors. The museum also displays newly discovered artifacts from the 2025 excavations conducted as part of the Ta\u015f Tepeler Project. Located within walking distance of the Bal\u0131kl\u0131g\u00f6l Complex, the museum can be visited with a MuseumPass T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-css-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Urfa, the city of legends<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large td-caption-align-https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1201849322.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1201849322-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Famous Bal\u0131kl\u0131g\u00f6l, one of the symbols of \u015eanl\u0131urfa known as the &quot;City of Prophets&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-9467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1201849322-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1201849322-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1201849322-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1201849322-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1201849322-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1201849322-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1201849322-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1201849322-265x198.jpg 265w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/iStock-1201849322.jpg 1182w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Famous Bal\u0131kl\u0131g\u00f6l, one of the symbols of \u015eanl\u0131urfa known as the &#8220;City of Prophets&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Following its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, the declaration of 2019 as the \u201cYear of G\u00f6beklitepe,\u201d and the launch of the Ta\u015f Tepeler Project in 2020, \u015eanl\u0131urfa, one of Southeastern Anatolia\u2019s most mystical cities, continues to attract growing international attention alongside G\u00f6beklitepe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since opening to visitors, G\u00f6beklitepe has welcomed a total of 4 million people, and the 781,381 visitors in 2025 alone demonstrate the region\u2019s steadily growing global appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/sanliurfa-a-place-of-legends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u015eanl\u0131urfa<\/a>, the city where legends and reality intertwine, is far more than just G\u00f6beklitepe. There is plenty to experience throughout the city. By booking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkishairlines.com\/en-tr\/flights\/flights-to-sanliurfa\/index.html?utm_source=tkblog&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=tkblogpostbookaticket\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a flight to \u015eanl\u0131urfa<\/a>, you can reach G\u00f6beklitepe after a short flight and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkishairlines.com\/en-tr\/car-rental\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rental car<\/a> ride. You can join a Urfa G\u00f6beklitepe tour, visit Bal\u0131kl\u0131g\u00f6l, Halfeti, Harran, and the \u015eanl\u0131urfa Archaeology Museum, and experience the region\u2019s culture firsthand by attending a s\u0131ra gecesi gathering. Comfortable hotels in \u015eanl\u0131urfa are also waiting for you for an unforgettable mystical getaway. G\u00f6beklitepe, which continues to astonish scientists, has opened an entirely new chapter in the story of our cultural evolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-css-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How much is the entrance fee to G\u00f6beklitepe?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The entrance fee for foreign visitors is 20 euros. Turkish citizens can enter for free with MuseumPass T\u00fcrkiye. MuseumPass holders receive two free visits per year, and MuseumPass Plus offers unlimited free entry. Admission is also free for students and teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the visiting hours for G\u00f6beklitepe?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The site is open from 08:30 to 19:00 during the summer season (April 1 \u2013 October 31) and from 08:30 to 17:30 during the winter season (October 31 \u2013 April 1).\u00a0Ticket offices close 30 minutes before the site closes. On the first day of a religious holiday, the site remains closed until 13:00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What do the symbols at G\u00f6beklitepe mean?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The animal reliefs carved on the T-shaped pillars are interpreted as guardians of the sacred space. The arm and hand motifs on the pillars support the view that these structures depict stylized human figures or deities. Some researchers also believe the faceless pillars may contain humanity\u2019s earliest known abstract depictions of deities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the Ta\u015f Tepeler Project? How far are the fellow sites from G\u00f6beklitepe?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Launched in 2020, the Ta\u015f Tepeler Project is a multidisciplinary research initiative focused on G\u00f6beklitepe and Neolithic sites such as Karahantepe, Sefertepe, Saybur\u00e7, Harbetsuvan, and Ayanlar H\u00f6y\u00fck.\u00a0The project aims to illuminate cultural connections among these sites and deepen understanding of Neolithic social transformations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When is the best time to visit G\u00f6beklitepe?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spring and autumn are considered the ideal seasons to visit. Because temperatures in \u015eanl\u0131urfa can be extremely high during the summer months, early-morning visits are recommended. Winters, on the other hand, can be quite cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why is the story of G\u00f6beklitepe described as \u201cthe world\u2019s most important archaeological discovery\u201d?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>G\u00f6beklitepe fundamentally changed long-held assumptions about human history by proving that monumental places of worship predated agriculture and settled life. Its age of 12,000 years, its status as the world\u2019s oldest known temple, its UNESCO World Heritage designation, and the ongoing stream of new discoveries from the Ta\u015f Tepeler Project continue to underscore its extraordinary significance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Where is G\u00f6beklitepe? How do you get there? G\u00f6beklitepe, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is located about 22 kilometers northeast of the \u015eanl\u0131urfa city center, near \u00d6rencik Village. Follow the signs along the D400 highway to reach the archaeological site by car in about 30 minutes. For those preferring public transportation, the BELSAN [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":16384,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[145,895,228,989,823,147,240],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-1587","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-destinations","8":"category-featured","9":"category-historical-places-to-visit-and-routes","10":"category-historical-places-to-visit-in-turkey","11":"category-sanliurfa-travel-guide","12":"category-trip-ideas","13":"category-turkey"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1587","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1587"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1587\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":63720,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1587\/revisions\/63720"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16384"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1587"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1587"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1587"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}