In Şanlıurfa, the ruins of Çakmaktepe, which is approximately 1000 years older than Göbeklitepe, which is considered the “zero point of history”, have been unearthed and offer new clues about human history. This discovery further deepens the historical importance of the region and provides a new perspective on the origin of Göbeklitepe and the surrounding settlements. Archaeologists suggest that Çakmaktepe may be the ancestor of famous sites such as Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe.
in 2018 UNESCO World Heritage Listincluding Göbeklitepe, which is included in the “Stone Hills” known as Sanliurfa The surrounding residential areas continue to shed light on human history. Ongoing excavations in this context reveal that Çakmaktepe may be an even older settlement than Göbeklitepe. The ruins found during archaeological excavations in the region are examined by protecting them with tarpaulins to prevent them from being affected by harsh weather conditions in winter.
Excavations in Çakmaktepe: Opening a New Door to History
who led the excavations Assoc. Dr. Fatma Sahinexplains the initial process and progress of the research in Çakmaktepe with the following words: “We started surface research in the region in 2012. We turned the pandemic period into an opportunity and had the chance to conduct long-term research here. Our research took place in the area west of the Harran Plain and we identified many previously unknown settlement areas. Most of these settlements belong to the pottery period and hunter-gatherer communities. One of these settlements was Çakmaktepe. We started excavations the same year.
We can say that Çakmaktepe is the ancestor of Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe. Here we found a large structure, approximately 16 meters in diameter, carved into the bedrock. Inside this building, we found burnt animal heads that were burned outside and placed inside the building. These animal heads include species such as wild cattle, sheep, goats, equids and gazelles. Carbon-14 testing has not been done yet, but based on the chipped stone materials found, we estimate that the settlement in Çakmaktepe dates back to 10 thousand BC, that is, 500 to 1000 years older than Göbeklitepe.”
In Search of a 10 Thousand Years of History: The Importance of Çakmaktepe
Although Carbon-14 testing has not been done yet, the chipped stone artifacts found in the excavations indicate that Çakmaktepe’s history dates back to B.C. It indicates that it extends to 10 thousand. This positions Çakmaktepe as a settlement 500 to 1000 years older than Göbeklitepe. This finding, which arouses excitement in the world of archaeology, also paves the way for new questions about the origins of areas such as Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe. Çakmaktepe is expected to enrich our knowledge of human history.
Traces of Private and Public Buildings in Çakmaktepe
In Çakmaktepe, not only buildings that can be considered as residences, but also monumental buildings with public functions are brought to light. Assoc. Prof. who directed the excavations. Dr. Hawk, ”The structures in Göbeklitepe are defined as temples. Here we say ‘private’ or ‘public building’. During the excavations, we found a structure with a diameter of approximately 16 meters, created by cutting the main rock. This structure was buried while abandoned, just like in Göbeklitepe. Obelisks and wall stones are carefully placed aside. This shows that the structures were completely destroyed and left in the pre-Göbeklitepe period.” he explains.
In order to protect the finds after the excavation, the ruins are covered with nylon tarpaulins during the winter to prevent them from being affected by harsh weather conditions. In this way, the unique ruins of Çakmaktepe continue to be safely protected until new discoveries are made.
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