At Göbekli Tepe, the zero point of history, a target of 1 million visitors is set

Göbekli Tepe, which is accepted as the zero point of history, continues to attract the attention of both history enthusiasts and travellers.

Göbekli Tepe, located in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye, is set to welcome 1 million visitors by 2025. This site, known as the “zero point of history,” boasts a remarkable 12,000-year history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Şanlıurfa Governor Hasan Şıldak recently shared his goal of attracting 1 million visitors to Göbekli Tepe by 2025. He made this announcement after visiting Karahantepe, Göbekli Tepe, and Urfa Castle. During his visit, he inspected ongoing environmental arrangements, restoration, and reinforcement efforts in the area.

Governor Şıldak received updates from Aydın Aslan, the Culture and Tourism Director of Şanlıurfa. They are currently developing social facilities at both Göbekli Tepe and Karahantepe. He emphasized the historical significance of Şanlıurfa, stating:

“Last year, Göbekli Tepe welcomed 700,000 visitors. Our target for 2025 is 1 million. Over the past two months, we have worked on creating modern and functional areas for visitors, including cafes, restaurants, and parking facilities. Şanlıurfa is a key center that showcases the first traces of history. Göbekli Tepe and Karahantepe are among the most important sites. We are committed to preserving these values and providing the best experience for our visitors by establishing necessary social facilities.”

By 2025, the plan is to strengthen both archaeological sites and prepare them for tourism. The team is also enhancing accessibility with new walking paths. Governor Şıldak is personally monitoring these projects and is dedicated to improving the tourism potential of the province.

This initiative aims to boost tourism in Şanlıurfa and highlight the historical and cultural significance of Göbekli Tepe. It promises to be a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.

Göbekli Tepe, located in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye, is recognized as the world’s oldest known settlement. With a history dating back approximately 12,000 years, it has played a crucial role in reshaping our understanding of human history.

Göbekli Tepe was discovered in 1963, but significant excavation efforts began in 1994 under the leadership of German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt. These excavations revealed structures built for religious and ritual purposes by hunter-gatherer communities. One of the most striking features of Göbekli Tepe is the large stone pillars adorned with animal figures and symbols. These structures are significant as they indicate that humans possessed complex social and religious beliefs long before the advent of settled life.

The buildings at Göbekli Tepe are constructed in circular and oval shapes. Central to these structures are T-shaped monoliths. The pillars feature various animal figures, including snakes, foxes, birds, and scorpions, along with abstract symbols. It is believed that these structures were used for religious ceremonies.