Sanliurfa, in southeastern Turkey, remains one of the important centers that shed light on human history, with numerous discoveries from excavations in various parts of the region. The Taş Tepeler (Pile of Stones) site, which includes the world’s oldest Neolithic sites such as Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe, is transforming our knowledge of prehistory through remarkable discoveries. Autumn is the ideal season for these amazing discoveries.
Each new discovery offers another exciting reason to visit this fascinating region
Karahan Tepe is once again in the spotlight. Recent excavations at the site have revealed, for the first time, a T-shaped pillar carved with a human face, revealing a striking new expression of the imagination of Neolithic people. Until now, T-shaped pillars discovered at Göbekli Tepe and the surrounding area, decorated with carved hands and palms, supported the interpretation that these monumental stones symbolized the human form. However, the new discovery from Karahan Tepe is a significant milestone in Neolithic studies, as it represents the first known depiction of a human face carved on a T-shaped pillar. The face, carved at the top of the pillar, has strong outlines, sunken eyes and a wide, flat nose, reflecting the characteristic style of human-figure statues previously discovered at Karahan Tepe.
The site is constantly providing new information about prehistoric societies, enhancing our understanding of their mysteries. Earlier this year, the site revealed something truly extraordinary, what is believed to be the oldest known 3D mythological depiction in the world.
The Wonders of Taş Tapeler
Among the many archaeological treasures of Şanlıurfa, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Göbekli Tepe is the first archaeological site to change our understanding of human history forever. Göbekli Tepe captivates visitors with its extraordinary finds: colossal T-shaped pillars, the first life-size sculpture of a painted boar, and the recently discovered human figure carved into a wall as a votive offering.
It’s no surprise that history buffs from all over the world flock to this spot: Göbekli Tepe welcomed 497,394 visitors in the first eight months of 2025, making it one of Turkey’s most visited archaeological destinations.
Şanlıurfa has a lot to offer
Apart from these Neolithic settlements, another important stop on the Şanlıurfa Neolithic Route is the Şanlıurfa Museum. Turkey’s largest museum complex is also one of the richest in terms of exhibits. The museum’s halls are arranged in chronological order, taking visitors from prehistoric times to the present day. In addition, the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, located next to the Şanlıurfa Museum, impresses with its outstanding collection of mosaics displayed in their original location.
Şanlıurfa, often described as the open-air museum of Southeastern Turkey, also offers many other cultural treasures beyond its Neolithic riches. From the legendary Balıklıgöl to the iconic domed houses of Harran, every corner of the city invites visitors to explore. And, of course, Şanlıurfa’s cuisine is a journey in itself: From succulent kebabs to delicious lahmacun and çiğ köfte, every meal is an invitation to taste history. The local breakfast of Şanlıurfa is roasted sheep liver, which is an experience in itself.
As part of the Taş Tapeler Program, implemented by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the 2025 excavation season continues at ten sites in the region. Among these archaeological sites, the following are open to visitors all year round: Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe, Sayburç, Sefertepe, Harbetsuvan Tepesi, Gürcütepe, Çakmaktepe, Yeni Mahalle and Söğüt Tarlası. From three-dimensional sculptures and animal bones to stone vessels, beads, ornaments and elaborate reliefs, each object that has been discovered offers a glimpse into the beginnings of human creativity in these settlements.
