Recognition of Gobeklitepe to boost protection efforts

By Dildar Baykan

ANKARA (AA) - The inclusion of the "world's oldest temple" Gobeklitepe in southeastern Sanliurfa province in UNESCO's World Heritage List will strengthen efforts to protect the site, head of Turkey's commission for UNESCO said.

Gobeklitepe was added to the list during the 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Manama, Bahrain, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Sunday.

The ministry said: "The world’s oldest known megalithic structure located in Upper Mesopotamia dates back 11,000 years."

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ocal Oguz said with the inclusion of Gobeklitepe -- which translates as Potbelly Hill -- Turkey has made an important contribution to the history of mankind.

"The list also includes Catalhoyuk which dates back to 10,000 years and is located in Konya. Gobeklitepe has upgraded this history to 12,000 years," said Oguz, adding that the site is summary of all mankind history not only of Turkey, Europe, Asia or Africa.

He said the inclusion of Gobeklitepe would also increase the tourism potential and recognition of the region.

Gobeklitepe has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List since 2011. It was discovered in 1963 when researchers from Istanbul and Chicago universities were working at the site. Since then, the excavations have never stopped.

Stating that Turkey was a cradle of many ancient civilizations, Oguz said the country has 18 sites in the UNESCO Heritage List and 77 sites on the Tentative List.

"Other countries which are also 'cradles of civilization' exactly like Turkey have about 50 artifacts in the list," Oguz said, adding that more Turkish sites should be included.

During preparations for its candidacy, a 4,000-square-meter steel roof was erected to protect the site.

After being temporarily closed to visitors due to restoration work, Gobeklitepe partially reopened in February.

The German Archaeological Institute and Sanliurfa Museum have collaborated at the site since 1995 and found T-shaped obelisks from the Neolithic era measuring 3-6 meters (10-20 feet) high, and weighing 40-60 tons.