Göbeklitepe excavations reveal human statue as restoration nears completion

Excavation and restoration works at Göbeklitepe, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and described as the 'zero point of history,' are nearing completion this year. Under the coordination of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and as part of the Stone Hills Project, this year's efforts included extensive excavation, maintenance, and restoration activities, especially within the protected areas. Dating back 12,000 years, Göbeklitepe continues to reveal new findings every year, providing fresh insights into the Neolithic Age. Following the life-sized wild boar statue discovered two years ago in Structure D, this year's significant discovery was a human statue with a clearly distinguishable head and body found between Structures B and D, which attracted great attention in the archaeology world. Additionally, this season, the structure surrounding the area with the 'T'-shaped columns in Structure C was comprehensively restored. Karul, emphasizing that much work remains within the protected area, noted that the archaeological community closely monitors the site. This year's excavations focused on Structure C, which features strong animal motifs such as snakes, bulls, and boars. Karul said: 'We conducted extensive excavation and restoration this year, especially continuing excavations under the protective roof. We carried out excavations on the northern slope where partially uncovered huts were located. Our work aimed to better understand different units of the Göbeklitepe settlement. We concentrated on Structure C, one of the largest and most impressive under the protective roof. We largely restored this structure, reinforcing walls and reassembling standing stones. We had previously tried similar methods, especially last year with the lion structure. This year, we continued with Structure C and will carry out similar strengthening projects on uncovered structures in the coming years.'

Göbeklitepe excavations reveal human statue as restoration nears completion

Excavations and restorations at Göbeklitepe near completion, with this year's finds including a rare human statue and major restoration of Structure C, shedding new light on the Neolithic era.