Chinese archaeologists are investigating traces of the past at the Yoğunburç Neolithic settlement in Şanlıurfa, taking part in archaeological excavations in Türkiye for the first time. The excavations, conducted as part of the Taş Tepeler Project led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, are being carried out in cooperation with the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum and the Archaeological Research Center of the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China.
The Yoğunburç excavations began on July 16 with a 22-member team, seven of whom are Chinese. Yoğunburç excavation director Prof. Dr. Gan Caichao said they were pleased to be working in Şanlıurfa and wanted to further develop archaeological cooperation between Türkiye and China.
A new step in archaeological cooperation
Gan Caichao said Yoğunburç was the first site in Türkiye where Chinese archaeologists had conducted excavation work. He said the excavations were significant not only for archaeological research but also for relations between the two countries.
Describing the Yoğunburç excavations as an important bridge between Türkiye and China, Gan said it was important for people in China to learn about Türkiye, Şanlıurfa and the historical sites in the region. Gan said the excavations would contribute to friendship and tourism between the two countries.
Şanlıurfa and Yulin pursue sister-city ties
Gan recalled that Rao Quan, vice minister of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, had made several visits to Şanlıurfa before the excavation work began.
Following the visit, a process was launched to establish sister-city ties between Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality and the Yulin Municipality of the People’s Republic of China. Gan said they hoped the process would contribute to the promotion of both countries and bring more tourists to the region.
Noting that Türkiye has a long history, Gan said he had been impressed by the country’s historical sites when he had previously visited Türkiye as a tourist. Gan said the people and officials in Türkiye were warm and helpful, adding that they felt at home in Şanlıurfa.
Taş Tepeler Project covers 12 Neolithic sites
The Taş Tepeler Project in Şanlıurfa covers 12 Neolithic archaeological sites: Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe, as well as Sefertepe, Sayburç, Harbetsuvan, Gürcütepe, Çakmaktepe, Yeni Mahalle, Yoğunburç, Ayanlar, Mendiktepe and Söğüt Tarlası.
The settlements, dating back approximately 12,000 years, shed light on human history through findings related to hunter-gatherer communities’ transition to settled life, the earliest forms of social organization and early belief systems.
