“The Zero Point in Time”
Archaeological siteUNESCO World Heritage site
Predating Stonehenge by over 6,000 years, Göbekli Tepe is widely considered the world's oldest temple, drastically altering our understanding of early human religion and the transition to agriculture. It is an unparalleled site for students of archaeology, anthropology, and ancient history. The massive, intricately carved T-shaped pillars reveal a complex hunter-gatherer society capable of monumental architecture. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn to avoid the intense southeastern heat. Tourist Tip: Visit the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum nearby to see artifacts excavated from the site before heading to the ruins for better context.