The Taş Tepeler Project, carried out at Neolithic settlements in Şanlıurfa, is drawing interest from domestic and foreign visitors. Described as one of the most comprehensive archaeology projects in the history of the Republic, the initiative has been ongoing for six years.
Under the project, coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, archaeological excavations are being conducted at Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe, Çakmaktepe, Sayburç, Ayanlar, Sefertepe, Gürcütepe, Harbetsuvan, Yeni Mahalle, Kurt Tepesi, Mendik and Yoğunburç.
Findings shed light on Neolithic life
With academics from China, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan, as well as Türkiye, contributing to the work, researchers are uncovering findings related to Neolithic lifestyles, rituals, subsistence strategies, architectural structures and production technologies.
Göbeklitepe, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is among the leading archaeological sites in the region. Alongside the site described as the zero point in history, plans call for promoting artifacts unearthed at other excavation areas and increasing the number of sites open to visitors.
Visitors show strong interest in Göbeklitepe
Aleks Tedro, who visited Göbeklitepe with his wife from Poland, said they came to Türkiye because they were curious about the region. Tedro said they were interested in ancient structures and historical sites, describing Göbeklitepe as an extraordinary place.
İbrahim Kocakaya, who came to Şanlıurfa from Konya with his family, also said they were interested in the historical sites and curious about the continuation of the excavation work. Kocakaya said they planned to visit Göbeklitepe every year.
Project expected to extend visitor stays
Aydın Aslan, Şanlıurfa’s provincial director of culture and tourism, said the Taş Tepeler Project was attracting strong interest from Türkiye and abroad. Aslan said the project was being carried out through a multinational model and that promotional activities were being conducted in different countries.
Aslan said the excavation sites were being followed with interest by domestic and foreign guests, adding that this interest would directly increase the number of overnight stays in the city.
