Mysterious Göbekli Tepe: First Temple in the World?

Approximately 12000 years old civilization and its mysteries.

5 min readApr 20, 2023

Where Göbekli Tepe is located?

Located in South Eastern Turkey, Göbekli Tepe is a fascinating archaeological site that has puzzled scientists and historians for decades. This ancient structure dates back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period. It is considered one of the most significant ancient sites because of its uniqueness and perplexing findings. Let’s explore the history, purpose, and significance of Göbekli Tepe in more detail. Shall we?

Göbekli Tepe Meaning and Age:

The name “Göbekli Tepe” or ‘’Gobekli Tepe’’ means “belly hill” in English, which refers to the site’s unique shape. The Göbekli Tepe was approx. constructed around 12,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest known man-made structures in the world. It predates other ancient structures such as; Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids by thousands of years.

What Is Older Than Göbekli Tepe?

Göbekli Tepe is considered one of the oldest known man-made structures, but there are other structures that are older. For example, discoveries in Boncuklu Tarala in Mardin are believed to be 1000 years older than Göbekli Tepe.

When Was Göbekli Tepe Discovered?

Göbekli Tepe was first founded by a shepherd named Safak Yildz in 1963. He was plowing his field as per routine when he noticed that some weird-looking carved stones were peaking out of the ground. He tried to pluck stones out of the ground but soon realized that it must be the tip of a much larger object. Then he contacted a local museum that connected him with archeologists at the University of Istanbul and began exploring the site. However, the site was not fully excavated until the 1990s when German archeologist Klaus Schmidt began leading a series of excavations. Klaus Schmidt plays a vital role in the finding and researching of Göbekli Tepe.

Who Built Göbekli Tepe?

What is the identity of the people who built Göbekli Tepe? It is still a matter of debate among archaeologists and historians. However, it is widely believed that it was constructed by hunter-gatherers who lived in the area during the Neolithic period. According to archeologists, it would’ve taken estimated of a week for 50 men to move the t-shaped monolith stones to move from their place to the hills and approximately a year to build these structures. How?

Purpose of Göbekli Tepe:

Why was Göbekli Tepe built is the most asked question. The purpose of Göbekli Tepe is still a matter of debate among archaeologists and historians. Some believed that the site was a ceremonial center but there was no remains or coffin found. But archeologists believe that it was a site for religious purposes, communal gatherings, or trade.

‘’This is the first human-built holy place,” Klaus Schmidt, the late director of excavation at Göbekli Tepe, once said.

Some people claim that Göbekli Tepe is a temple this can also be a possibility and discovery in 2017 also indicates towards that. (visit this press release) The site’s elaborate stone carvings, which include depictions of animals, humans, and abstract symbols, suggest that it had significant cultural and spiritual importance to its creators.

Göbekli Tepe Carvings:

The stone carvings at Göbekli Tepe are among the site’s most impressive features. The carvings include depictions of animals such as snakes, foxes, and birds, as well as abstract symbols and humanoid figures. Some of the carvings are highly detailed and sophisticated, indicating that these people must’ve been really skilled because archeologists estimated that these carvings would’ve taken 12–15 days.

Why Was Göbekli Tepe Buried?

One of the most intriguing aspects of Göbekli Tepe is that it was intentionally buried by its creators. Archaeologists have found evidence that the site was covered with soil and abandoned around 8,000 years ago. The reasons for its burial are still unknown, but it is believed that the site may have been ritually decommissioned or abandoned due to environmental or social changes.

Göbekli Tepe and Graham Hancock:

Göbekli Tepe has been the subject of much speculation and controversy in recent years, mainly because of the work of author and alternative historian Graham Hancock. Hancock has suggested that the site may be evidence of an advanced civilization that predates the commonly accepted timeline of human history. He and many of his supportive archeologists claim that this site cannot be the work of hunter-gatherers of that time. Instead, they believe that this can be done by the civilization that survived a catastrophe that almost wiped out the whole of humanity and lived there. They strengthen their argument by stating the last ice age catastrophe that was found out recently which many of the mainstream scientists believe occurred. But still, they cannot justify their claim completely as there was no sign of lost civilization found.

Wrapping:

Overall, Göbekli Tepe remains a fascinating and enigmatic site that provides a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our prehistoric ancestors. Decades of research have gone by but there is still much we don’t know about this ancient structure and the people who built it. However, ongoing excavations and research continue to shed new light on the site and may eventually help us unravel its many mysteries. Whatever the true purpose and significance of Göbekli Tepe may be, it is clear that it represents an important milestone in the history of human civilization and a testament to our early ancestors’ ingenuity and creativity.