A Groundbreaking Discovery Beneath the World’s Oldest Temple Site
Archaeologists have announced a remarkable new discovery at Göbeklitepe, the prehistoric sanctuary often described as the “zero point of history.”
Advanced underground surveys have revealed rectangular-shaped structures beneath the surface — a sign that the site, long known for its monumental stone enclosures, may also have contained residential buildings.
These findings could redefine the historical identity of Göbeklitepe, suggesting that the world’s earliest temple complex might also have been part of a settled community, not merely a ceremonial center.
High-Tech Scanning Reveals Hidden Layers of Civilization
The research, conducted under the coordination of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism as part of the Taş Tepeler (Stone Hills) Project, employed state-of-the-art geophysical methods — including geomagnetic, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and lidar scanning.
Through these technologies, scientists identified previously unknown rectangular structures surrounding the famous circular temples. The data indicates that some of these may have served as domestic dwellings, providing unprecedented insight into early Neolithic urban planning.
The multidisciplinary team, led by Istanbul University, worked in collaboration with the German Archaeological Institute and Freie Universität Berlin, with support from the Austrian Archaeological Institute for geoarchaeological analysis.
Professor Necmi Karul: “We Have Entered a New Era at Göbeklitepe”
Prof. Dr. Necmi Karul, head of excavations at Göbeklitepe, emphasized that this discovery marks a new phase for the site.
“We are now focusing on documenting areas that have not yet been excavated,” Karul explained. “Thanks to detailed geophysical mapping, we have detected not only monumental buildings but also rectangular-plan structures that may have served as homes.”
He noted that earlier this year, olive trees covering the mound were carefully relocated, allowing for wider scanning operations across the entire site.
“The results clearly show that Göbeklitepe was more than a ritual center — it was also a place of habitation,” he added.
Rectangular Houses Cluster in the Eastern and Southern Zones
The new data revealed that these rectangular buildings are concentrated in the eastern and southern sections of the mound.
This pattern suggests that while the central zone was dominated by communal or ceremonial architecture, surrounding areas likely supported daily domestic life.
According to Karul, this provides strong evidence that sedentary life began in Anatolia earlier than previously believed:
“Our findings indicate that the transition from hunter-gatherer to settled communities may have occurred here, at Göbeklitepe, far earlier than assumed.”
Technology Redefines Archaeology
The combined use of geomagnetic mapping, GPR, and lidar has opened an entirely new dimension in archaeological research.
These techniques enable scientists to map subsurface remains with millimeter-level precision, without the need for extensive excavation.
By integrating these data layers, the researchers have not only outlined the boundaries of the mound but also reconstructed the spatial layout of structures within it.
“In just a few weeks, we’ve identified both monumental public buildings and multiple domestic units,” said Karul.
“This allows us to see Göbeklitepe as a complex social hub, not merely a temple site.”
The Broader Implications: From Ritual to Residence
Until now, Göbeklitepe was viewed almost exclusively as a religious or ceremonial center, where early hunter-gatherers gathered for rituals before dispersing.
However, these new findings challenge that long-standing interpretation.
If confirmed as residential spaces, the rectangular buildings could demonstrate that the people who built the world’s earliest temples were already living in permanent settlements.
This would mean that organized community life — including shared labor, food storage, and social hierarchies — existed long before agriculture became widespread.
Such a revelation would require archaeologists to rethink the timeline of human civilization, suggesting that spiritual architecture and domestic life evolved together, not separately.
International Collaboration Strengthens the Project
The Taş Tepeler Project continues to expand through international partnerships.
Prof. Dr. Barbara Horejs, Director of the Austrian Archaeological Institute, highlighted the importance of these joint efforts:
“Our measurements revealed not only one large building but also numerous smaller residential structures. These results are truly exciting, and we plan to continue our work next year.”
She emphasized that the integration of geoarchaeological data will guide future excavation strategies, ensuring a balance between preservation and exploration.
Göbeklitepe and the Birth of Settled Life
The discovery of potential housing structures at Göbeklitepe suggests that the origins of village life may date back more than 11,000 years.
This aligns with evidence from nearby Taş Tepeler sites such as Karahantepe and Sefertepe, pointing to a network of early Neolithic communities across southeastern Anatolia.
These interconnected settlements may have shared common ritual, architectural, and social traditions, forming the earliest cultural systems of human history.
As Karul put it,
“Göbeklitepe is no longer just a monument to belief — it is a window into the birth of society itself.”
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Anatolian Archaeology
Future phases of the project aim to integrate the latest technological tools with traditional excavation.
This holistic approach will help preserve the delicate Neolithic layers while uncovering new data about daily life, trade, and cultural practices.
The results may eventually redraw the map of human prehistory, placing Anatolia firmly at the center of the story of civilization.
Conclusion: From Temples to Homes — A Civilization Revealed
The discovery of ancient rectangular houses beneath Göbeklitepe changes everything we thought we knew about early humanity.
It blurs the lines between ritual and residence, between belief and community.
Once considered merely the world’s oldest temple complex, Göbeklitepe now appears to have been a thriving Neolithic settlement, where people not only worshipped but also lived, built, and dreamed.
This new chapter in archaeology reminds us that the roots of civilization were planted not in isolation, but through shared spaces, shared lives, and shared beliefs — right here, in the heart of Anatolia.
