Göbekli Tepe

Göbekli Tepe is a prehistoric site near the village of Örencik, about 18 km northeast of Şanlıurfa. Hunter-gatherers built its stone enclosures between about 9600 and 8200 BC. Excavations began in 1995, and UNESCO added the site to the World Heritage List in 2018.

The enclosures are rings of stone walls with T-shaped limestone pillars, some up to 5.5 m tall. The two central pillars of Enclosure D carry carved arms, belts and fox-pelt loincloths. Its Pillar 43 is known as the Vulture Stone. Other reliefs show boars, gazelles, cranes, snakes and foxes.

Şanlıurfa GAP Airport, 34 km from the city, has direct flights from Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir. A protective roof covers the excavation, which is seen from walkways. Many finds are in the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum in the city. Allow half a day, including the drive. July highs average about 39 °C; spring and autumn are more comfortable. Check current opening hours before you go.