A conference series has been introducing Türkiye’s Taş Tepeler (Stone Hills), which houses other sites similar and contemporary to the Neolithic site of Göbeklitepe in Şanlıurfa, to a global audience across Europe since last year. The Taş Tepeler Conference Series, unveiling the rich archaeological tapestry of the region, serves as a platform for scholars and history enthusiasts from various countries to exchange insights and discuss the importance of the area in understanding ancient civilisations and cultures. While fostering a broader appreciation for Türkiye’s and Taş Tepeler’s rich archaeological heritage, the cross-border series also promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing among researchers from diverse backgrounds.

Anatolia, the storied land known as Türkiye today, is depicted as the cradle of civilisation as it has been home to many peoples throughout history. With its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, Anatolia has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous civilisations, leaving behind a rich tapestry of archaeological remnants. Türkiye has been conducting countless archaeological excavation and restoration projects to preserve these invaluable treasures and ensure the sustainability of its cultural heritage. So much so that Türkiye is leading the world in this field, with the number of projects in the country reaching 720 in 2023. Türkiye’s archaeological projects not only play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering tourism but also contribute to global knowledge of human history.

The discovery of the earliest examples of human settlement near Şanlıurfa, a storied city in the southeast of Türkiye, is a substantial reminder of the country’s pivotal role in shaping our understanding of ancient civilisations. Therefore, one of the country’s most important archaeological projects is Taş Tepeler, addressing this region with the earliest human settlements in and around Şanlıurfa. As part of the project, scientific teams under the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism leadership investigate the region around the Harran Plain, where larger populations had begun to live together before the sedentary life, featuring settlements with permanent residences and monumental structures built for specific purposes.

The ongoing research consists of the Sayburç, Sefertepe, Harbetsuvan Hill, Gürcütepe, Çakmaktepe, Kurttepesi, Taşlıtepe, Ayanlar, Yoğunburç and Yeni Mahalle sites, as well as Karahantepe, and Göbeklitepe, the most well-known settlements of the region. While Taş Tepeler proves the presence of numerous settlements in contemporary and close proximity to Göbeklitepe, the ongoing research shows that our current knowledge about the early humans remains quite limited compared to what we will learn with excavations in the region.