Archaeologists have recently made some groundbreaking discoveries in the Stone Hills (Taş Tepeler) that will leave an indelible mark on human history. Firstly, they unearthed the first-ever painted Neolithic statue from Göbeklitepe. Secondly, they discovered a 2.3-meter human statue located in Karahantepe. This statue appears to be of a seated person with accentuated ribs, spine, and shoulder bones. Lastly, they found a life-size wild boar statue made of limestone located in Structure D of Göbeklitepe. The statue has red, white, and black pigments on its surface, which will surely attract attention.
The first known painted sculpture from its period, the wild boar statue bears red, white, and black pigment residues on its surface.
In the same area, a vulture sculpture on the wall and stone plates on the ground were also discovered near the sculpture.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Turkey has issued a written statement providing important information regarding the discovery of a life-sized wild boar sculpture made of limestone in the Göbeklitepe D structure. The sculpture was found on a pedestal decorated with symbols, including an H-shaped symbol, a crescent, two snakes, and three human faces or masks.
About Stone Hills
TAŞ TEPELER Project involves archaeological excavations and research carried out in seven areas: Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe, Gürcütepe, Sayburç, Çakmaktepe, Sefertepe and the Yeni Mahalle mound. The excavation in Karahantepe, which was temporarily opened, was also visited. The excavations are carried out by scientific committees and the Şanlıurfa Museum Directorate under the leadership of the General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums of Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Archaeological excavations carried out in 2023 as part of the Taş Tepeler project led to the discovery of human and animal statues in 9 different areas. These discoveries are highly significant on a global scale and shed light on prehistory. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Göbeklitepe has changed historians’ and archaeologists’ understanding of the cradle of civilization. It is known as the world’s oldest religious sanctuary and often referred to as the “zero point of history.” Recently, a painted wild boar statue was found in the area. Studies carried out in Şanlıurfa province in Turkey have revealed the existence of settlements indicating a different phase within the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period. There is still much more to be discovered in this fascinating area.
