In the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa, Turkey, where history runs deep, remarkable discoveries have recently come to light. The ancient sites of Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe have revealed two astonishing relics: the first painted statue and one of the most lifelike human sculptures ever found.
These findings offer a captivating glimpse into the artistic expressions of prehistoric civilizations.
Göbeklitepe: The Zero-Point of History
Göbeklitepe, often referred to as the "zero point of history," is a remarkable archaeological site that dates back a staggering 12,000 years.
Discovered in 1963 by researchers from Istanbul and Chicago universities, it has since become a treasure trove of ancient artifacts. The site has been jointly excavated by the German Archaeological Institute and Şanlıurfa Museum since 1995, unearthing T-shaped obelisks that tower between 3 and 6 meters and weigh 40 to 60 tons.
The First Painted Sculpture
Among the astounding finds at Göbeklitepe is a life-sized wild boar statue made of limestone. What makes this discovery even more remarkable is that it is the first painted sculpture found from its period to the present day.
Residues of red, white, and black pigments on its surface indicate that ancient artists adorned it with vibrant colors, providing insight into the artistic sensibilities of the time.
In addition to the boar statue, excavations have uncovered diverse 12,000-year-old artifacts, including human statuettes measuring 65 centimeters in height.
These artifacts offer a window into the spiritual and cultural dimensions of the prehistoric people who once inhabited Göbeklitepe.
A life-size wild boar statue made of limestone and a humanlike statue were unearthed in the "D structure" of Göbeklitepe, Şanlıurfa, Türkiye, Sept. 30, 2023. (IHA Photo)
Karahantepe: A Hub of Neolithic Art
While Göbeklitepe has been at the forefront of archaeological exploration, its neighboring site, Karahantepe, has been gaining recognition as one of the most important settlements of the Neolithic period.
Here, researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery: a 2.3-meter-high human statue with an incredibly realistic facial expression. This statue, fixed to the ground on a bench, stands as a testament to the artistic prowess of our ancient ancestors.
In addition to the human statue, a vulture statue and stone plates were also unearthed at Karahantepe. These findings expand our understanding of the artistic diversity and symbolism present in the Neolithic era.
The ancient sites of Göbeklitepe in Turkey have provided archaeologists with invaluable insights into the artistic expressions and cultural practices of prehistoric civilizations.
From the first painted sculpture at Göbeklitepe to the lifelike human statue at Karahantepe, these discoveries continue to captivate the world, emphasizing the importance of preserving and studying Anatolia’s ancient heritage.
As researchers delve deeper into these sites, the stories of our distant ancestors come to life, bridging the gap between the past and present.
