19.09.2025 14:50
The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, visited Göbeklitepe with Princess Akiko Mikasa of Japan. Minister Ersoy stated, "In the space between structures B and D, a human statue was found mounted horizontally within a wall, believed to have been placed there as an offering. This discovery will shed light on the rituals and belief systems of the Neolithic Age."
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Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy visited Göbeklitepe, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with Japan's Alt Princess Akiko Mikasa.
After receiving information about the ongoing works from the excavation head Prof. Dr. Necmi Karul, Minister Ersoy announced that a very important finding has been uncovered at Göbeklitepe, stating, "In the space between structures B and D, a human statue was found, mounted horizontally within a wall, believed to have been placed as an offering. This discovery is a very valuable finding that will shed light on the rituals and belief system of the Neolithic Age. Today, we are witnessing the 30th anniversary of excavations that hold great importance for human history. Eight monumental structures and countless residences illuminate life in the Neolithic Age," he said.
A 6-METER STONE HAS BEEN ERECTED AGAIN
Minister Ersoy stated that after the restorations initiated last year in the area known as the 'Lion Structure' in Göbeklitepe, the works in the regions referred to as 'Structure C' have also been completed this year, and that the standing stones weighing tons have been moved to their original positions and the stones reaching 6 meters have been erected again.
Touching on visitor management and conservation efforts for Göbeklitepe, Ersoy said, "With the new visitor center, parking lot, and walking paths to be opened before the end of 2025, we aim to sustainably manage the interest in Göbeklitepe," he stated.
96 ARTIFACTS TO BE EXHIBITED IN BERLIN
Minister Ersoy also announced that a major exhibition titled 'Myths on Stone: Göbeklitepe and the World of Last Hunters' will be held at the James-Simon Gallery of the Museum of the Near East in Berlin from February 5 to July 31 next year, and that 96 artifacts from the inventory of the Şanlıurfa Museum will be exhibited.
Referring to the cultural cooperation between Turkey and Japan, Ersoy thanked Princess Akiko, stating, "Göbeklitepe is the common heritage of humanity. It is our responsibility to protect this heritage and carry it into the future."
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