A Journey to the World's Oldest Temple: Gobekli Tepe

Have you ever wondered what the world was like 12,000 years ago, when humans were still hunter-gatherers and agriculture was not yet invented? If so, you might want to visit Göbekli Tepe, a stunning archaeological site in southeastern Turkey that is considered the world's oldest temple.

What is Göbekli Tepe?

Göbekli Tepe (Turkish for "Potbelly Hill") is a complex of circular and rectangular stone structures that were built by prehistoric people between 9,600 and 8,200 BCE. These structures are composed of massive T-shaped pillars, some of which are up to 5.5 meters tall and weigh up to 10 tons. Many of the pillars are carved with images of animals, such as foxes, lions, scorpions, and vultures, as well as abstract symbols and human-like figures.

The purpose of Göbekli Tepe is still a mystery, but most archaeologists believe that it was a ritual center, where people from different groups gathered to perform ceremonies, possibly related to death and rebirth. The site was deliberately buried around 8,000 BCE, and remained hidden until it was rediscovered in 1963 by a survey team. Since 1995, it has been excavated by a German-Turkish team led by the late Klaus Schmidt, who described it as "the first human-made holy place".

How to get there and where to stay

Göbekli Tepe is located about 18 km northeast of Şanlıurfa, a historic city in the Upper Mesopotamia region. You can reach Şanlıurfa by plane, bus, or car from various cities in Turkey and nearby countries. From Şanlıurfa, you can take a taxi or a minibus to Göbekli Tepe, which takes about 20 minutes.

There are many accommodation options in Şanlıurfa, ranging from budget to luxury hotels. I stayed at the Doubletree By Hilton Sanliurfa, a modern and comfortable hotel in the city center, close to the main attractions and restaurants. The hotel has a rooftop pool, a fitness center, a spa, and a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the rooms were spacious and clean. The only downside was that the Wi-Fi was not very reliable, and the breakfast was not very varied.

What to see and do

The main attraction of Göbekli Tepe is, of course, the archaeological site itself. You can visit the site from 8 am to 5 pm every day, except Mondays. The entrance fee is 72 Turkish lira (about 8 USD) per person. There is a visitor center where you can watch a short documentary about the history and significance of the site, and a museum where you can see some of the artifacts and replicas of the pillars. There is also a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs, such as books, postcards, magnets, and T-shirts.

The site is divided into four areas, labeled A, B, C, and D, each containing several enclosures. The most impressive ones are enclosure D, which has the largest and most decorated pillars, and enclosure C, which has a central pillar with a carved head and arms. You can walk around the site and admire the pillars, but you are not allowed to touch them or climb on them. There are signs and information boards that explain the features and meanings of the carvings, but I recommend hiring a guide or joining a tour to get a better understanding of the site. You can also take photos and videos, but you are not allowed to use flash or drones.

Besides the site, you can also explore the surrounding area, which offers a beautiful view of the Mesopotamian plain and the mountains. You can see some of the quarries where the pillars were cut from the bedrock, and some of the cisterns that were used to collect water. You can also visit the nearby village of Örencik, where you can see the traditional lifestyle of the local people and taste some of their products, such as cheese, bread, and honey.

A legend about Göbekli Tepe

One of the most intriguing aspects of Göbekli Tepe is the mystery behind its origin and function. Who built it, why, and how? There are many theories and speculations, but no definitive answers. Some people even believe that the site was influenced by extraterrestrial beings or ancient civilizations, such as Atlantis or Lemuria.

While there is no historical or scientific evidence to support these claims, there are some legends and stories that try to explain the site in a mythical way. One of them is the following:

Long ago, there was a great flood that wiped out most of the life on Earth. Only a few people and animals survived, thanks to a giant ark that was built by a wise and righteous man named Noah. After the flood, Noah and his family settled in the land of Ararat, where they multiplied and prospered. However, some of their descendants became corrupted and arrogant, and decided to build a tower that would reach the heavens, in order to challenge God and make a name for themselves. This tower was called Babel, and it was located in the land of Shinar, near the Euphrates river.

God was angry with the people of Babel, and decided to confuse their language, so that they could not understand each other and cooperate. As a result, the tower was never completed, and the people were scattered all over the Earth, speaking different languages and forming different nations.

Some of the people who left Babel went to the land of Urfa, where they found a hill that reminded them of their lost tower. They decided to build a new tower on the hill, using huge stones that they carved from the nearby rocks. They also carved images of animals and humans on the stones, to honor their ancestors and the creatures that survived the flood. They hoped that this tower would help them communicate with God and each other, and restore their unity and glory.

However, God was not pleased with their attempt, and decided to punish them again. He sent a great earthquake that shook the hill and toppled the stones. He also buried the tower under a thick layer of soil, so that no one could find it or rebuild it. The people of Urfa were terrified and fled from the hill, never to return. They called the hill Göbekli Tepe, meaning "Potbelly Hill", because of its shape.

The tower remained hidden for thousands of years, until it was rediscovered by a group of archaeologists in the 20th century. They were amazed by the size and age of the stones, and the carvings on them. They realized that they had found the oldest temple in the world, and a clue to the origin of civilization and religion.

Tips for travelers

If you are interested in visiting Göbekli Tepe, here are some tips that might help you plan your trip:

- The best time to visit Göbekli Tepe is in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Avoid the summer, when it can be very hot and dry, and the winter, when it can be very cold and rainy.

- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water. The site is exposed to the sun and can be dusty and windy. There is no shade or shelter, except for a small cafeteria where you can buy snacks and drinks.

- Respect the site and its rules. Do not litter, smoke, or make noise. Do not touch or damage the pillars or the carvings. Do not climb on the stones or the fences. Follow the instructions of the staff and the guides.

- Learn as much as you can about the site before and during your visit. Read books, articles, and websites about Göbekli Tepe, and watch documentaries and videos. Listen to the guides and ask questions. Appreciate the beauty and the mystery of the site, and try to imagine what it was like for the people who built it and used it.

Conclusion

Göbekli Tepe is a fascinating and unique place that deserves to be visited and admired by anyone who is interested in history, archaeology, and culture. It is a testimony to the creativity and spirituality of the human race, and a challenge to our understanding of the past and the present. It is a place where you can connect with your ancestors and with yourself, and feel the awe and wonder that they must have felt. It is a place that will make you think and feel, and that will stay with you forever.