Everything You Need to Know Before Visit Gobekli Tepe 2023

Gobekli Tepe is the oldest known temple in human history. Would you like to unravel the secrets behind these mysterious structures? A visit to Gobekli Tepe in Turkey will take you on a journey back in time.

In this guide, we will give you all the important details to make the most of your visit to Göbeklitepe, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Can You Visit Gobekli Tepe?

There were excavations for many years in Gobekli Tepe and Catal Huyuk. Recent years, Gobekli tepe welcomes many guests all around the world.You should visit Gobekli Tepe archaeological site because this is a worthy place which you must experience in your life at least once.

What to see at Gobekli Tepe?

The main attraction at Gobekli Tepe is the ancient ruins. The ruins at Gobekli Tepe are believed to be some of the oldest in the world, dating back over 11,000 years! That means they predate even the pyramids of Egypt. Gobekli Tepe visitors can see two main types of structures at Gobekli Tepe: circular enclosures and T-shaped pillars.

Gobekli Tepe Opening Hours

Gobekli tepe archaeological site opens every day from 08:30 to 17:00. Box office closes at about 16:30. (Last updated on 21 December 2022)

Gobekli Tepe working hours may depend on if it is out of the season time. So, it is better to check the official records before you get there.

Gobekli Tepe facts

There is also a small museum at Gobekli Tepe that you can visit. Actually, Gobekli tepe museum is like a reception center that has Gobekli Tepe souvenirs, market shopping, information, 3D animation, etc. inside.

How much does it cost to visit Göbekli Tepe?

Gobekli Tepe tickets are 90 Turkish Liras in 2023 for each visitor. But if you have Turkey Museum pass, you can visit Gobekli Tepe without extra payment.

Some of Gobekli Tepe travel tours cover Gobekli Tepe entrance fee as well but it is better to check the schedule’s details.

History of Gobekli Tepe

Gobekli Tepe is an archaeological site located in southeastern Turkey. If you are wondering about how old is Gobeklitepe, which is believed to be the oldest known temple in the world, dating back over 11,000 years. The site consists of two types of structures: circular enclosures and T-shaped pillars.

How old is Gobekli Tepe?

Gobekli Tepe was first discovered in the 1960s by a Turkish farmer, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that archaeologists began excavating the site.

Since then, Gobekli Tepe has become one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It is thought to provide evidence for the existence of a sophisticated civilization that predates even the pyramids of Egypt. In addition, Gobekli Tepe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where is Gobekli tepe?

Gobeklitepe is located in Sanliurfa, Turkey. This is not the only historical place in this area but it is one of the most important ones which is worth visiting.

If you are planning to visit Gobekli Tepe, you can make an extended travel plan if you have time. Thusly, you can discover Sanliurfa city better and other nearby cities. The Southeast of Turkey has more things for you to explore such as Mardin.

If you are wondering can tourists visit Gobekli Tepe? The answer is yes, tourists can visit Gobekli Tepe in every season of the year. Nowadays millions of people are visiting inside the country or abroad.

Is gobekli tepe safe to visit?

Gobekli Tepe is located in southeastern Turkey. The region is generally safe for tourists, but you should always take precautions while traveling to any new place. We recommend that you research the area before your visit and familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette. In addition, we advise you to purchase travel insurance before your trip.

We want to assure you that Gobekli Tepe is safe to visit. Turkey is a very welcoming country, and violence against tourists is rare. But you can learn more about if it is safe to travel to Turkey or not from our blog post.

You should always take precautions when traveling to any new place, but we hope this blog post has put your mind at ease about visiting Gobekli Tepe.

You can learn more about Turkey by reading our article on reasons to visit Turkey.

Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum

Don’t forget to visit the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum while you get there. Sanliurfa Museu m has incredible statues and history inside. It is probably the most famous thing to do in Sanliurfa after visit Gobekli Tepe.

Note that you can visit Sanliurfa Museum after your Gobekli Tepe historical site. It requires a bit extended time to spend there.

Entrance Fee for Şanlıurfa Turkey Archeology Museum

Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum entrance fee is 50 TL. Opening hours are 08:30 – 17:00 and Box office closing time is 16:30. (Last updated on 21 December 2022)

Göbeklitepe Museum

Actually, it almost doesn’t count as a museum. This reception belongs to the Gobekli Tepe archaeological site. Gobekli Tepe is the oldest archaeological site in Turkey.

This Unesco heritage has a welcoming center that has an amazing replica of Gobekli Tepe, introductory films, statues, and sculptures souvenirs inside. Also, you can get more information about Gobekli Tepe. Besides, you will be able to see what is Göbekli Tepe supposed to be in there.

If you are planning to visit all the historical sites and museums during your trip we recommend that you buy museum passcards.

For more information about museums, museum cards, museum passes, and also Gobekli Tepe ticket prices you can view the purchase options from this official page. Also, you can view the brochures for places from the Museums section.

How to get to Gobekli Tepe from Istanbul?

Gobekli Tepe is located in southeastern Turkey. If you’re coming from Istanbul, it’s about a five-hour drive. Renting a car in Turkey is an affordable option. You can also take a bus or catch a flight (with this promo code: TP-369698 which offers you %10 discount) into the nearby city of Sanliurfa and then take a taxi to Gobekli Tepe.

How far is Gobekli Tepe from Istanbul?

It is five hours by car, twenty hours by bus, and two hours by plane. So, taking a plane seems the shortest way to go to the Sanliurfa province from Istanbul. Let’s ask about how do you fly to Gobekli Tepe? Closest airport to gobekli tepe is GAP Sanliurfa Airport (GNY).

You don’t have to think about how to get to Gobekli Tepe. If you like guided tours, you can take a Gobekli Tepe tour from Istanbul. We will mention the Gobekli Tepe tours in detail below.

Get Closer: How to go Göbeklitepe From Sanliurfa

Göbeklitepe is very close to the city center. It takes 25 minutes by car. You can also travel to Gobekli Tepe by public transportation.

If you are asking what’s the best way to see Gobekli Tepe? Take the 100-numbered bus from the city center. Also do not miss any things to do in Sanliurfa during your trip.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Gobekli Tepe? No need for the archaeological site unless you want to take a tour of Gobekli Tepe.

When to visit Gobekli Tepe?

The best time to visit Gobekli Tepe is from April to October. Gobekli Tepe weather is milder during these months, making it more comfortable to visit the archaeological site. Gobekli Tepe tourism season is mostly spring and summer months but if your plans suits to winter or fall, it’s great this season too. You can walk around comfortably because it will be quiet. Still, it’s a good idea to check the current weather forecast.

What should I wear when visiting Gobekli Tepe?

We recommend that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes when visiting Gobekli Tepe. The temperature in Sanliurfa may rise especially during the summer. So you should refill your cotton clothes during your visit to Gobekli Tepe.

Facts About Gobekli Tepe 2023

Here are some wonders about Gobekli Tepe 2023 which can be useful during your trip!

Let’s start with: How old is the Göbekli Tepe? Gobekli Tepe is close to 12.000 years old! Gobekli tepe is older than Mesopotamia, Egypt pyramids, and Stonehenge. Yes, that sounds incredible. There is amazing history and culture are waiting for you!

What is interesting about Göbekli Tepe? If you are an expert and you want to visit Gobekli Tepe, you need to apply for a permit in advance. You can do this by contacting the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Ankara or the Gobekli Tepe archaeological site itself.

Also, you can find a Gobekli tepe tour guide for your trip to Sanliurfa.

Gobekli Tepe Underground

Are there tunnels under Gobekli Tepe?

Yes, there are tunnels under Gobekli Tepe. The tunnels are believed to be part of an ancient water irrigation system. We hope the research there will enlighten us in the future.

So, how much of Göbekli Tepe is still underground?

Well, Gobekli Tepe was discovered in 1963 but the excavations started in 1995. If you are asking, was Göbekli Tepe buried? Yes, it is. But why did they bury Göbekli Tepe? The strongest argument is about migration and climate change. People covered the temple while they were leaving this site.

Gobekli Tepe Translation

Why is it called Göbekli Tepe? That hill (hill means tepe in Turkish) has a gentle slope and this situation reminds the locals of the word: belly which means “göbek”. So they called it Göbeklitepe. Gobeklitepe is also known as Potbelly Hill in English. You can find many books and written sources in literature so get to know better with Gobekli Tepe information. Dive into the history of Gobekli tepe and learn more about that stunning mysterious ancient site Gobekli Tepe.

What is the significance of Gobekli Tepe?

Gobekli Tepe is significant because it is the oldest known temple in the world. It also provides evidence for the existence of a sophisticated civilization that predates even the pyramids of Egypt.

What is the meaning of Gobekli Tepe? Gobekli Tepe is thought to be a temple or a site of religious significance. The exact purpose of the site is still unknown, but it is thought to be associated with the worship of animals or gods.

What is the purpose of Göbekli Tepe?

Actually, there are lots of rumors, stories, and theories about Göbekli Tepe. One of the rumors is that Gobekli tepe country was a neolithic residential area. But there were no doors, so it couldn’t be the houses people lived in there. Gobekli tepe bible relative is still a mystery but we know that place is not a graveyard because there are no human bones there either. Besides, it is still a big mystery how they were built and why was Göbekli Tepe buried.

In which region are the ruins of Göbeklitepe located?

Where is go Göbekli Tepe located? The exact location of Göbekli Tepe is Örencik, 63290 Haliliye/Şanlıurfa. If you are planning to go from Istanbul to Gobekli Tepe, the airway is the shortest way to Göbeklitepe.

Is Göbekli Tepe in Cappadocia? No, it is not. But if you want to go from Cappadocia to Gobekli Tepe, you can take a tour or drive for 7 hours. Buses are available as well but the journey takes almost 10 hours.

You may want to read about Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival

Klaus Schmidt Gobekli Tepe

In 1963, Göbeklitepe was founded but until 1994, Gobekli Tepe diggings did not start. The best answer to this question: who discovered Gobekli Tepe, is definitely Klaus Schmidt. From 1996 to 2014 he led the excavations at Göbeklitepe.

The Gobekli Tepe controversy is underway since its discovery of it. There are so many Göbekli tepe theories, discussions about is Göbekli Tepe real or not, some Gobekli tepe hoaxes, and deceptive Gobekli tepe photos on the internet.

If you want to visit Gobekli Tepe and learn more, we suggest you trust official sources either from Turkey or universal records.

Gobekli Tepe Carvings

What is so impressive about Göbekli Tepe?

Well, you can’t see 12.000 years of structures and sculptures every day! So this should be a big deal. Even Gobekli tepe images are very mystic and magical, being there would be amazing. Be the witness to the world’s oldest temple. Visit Gobekli Tepe and be aware of every detail. If you are wondering about Gobekli tepe animals, here are some spoilers for you!

You will be able to see T-shaped pillars, human reliefs without heads, snakes, sheep, mallards, scorpions, vultures, spider carvings, and more.

Who built Gobekli Tepe?

The builders of Gobekli Tepe are still unknown. However, it is thought that the site was built by a group of hunter-gatherers. Göbekli Tepe significance is very important and precious. Diggings of “çatalhöyük göbekli tepe” are the two important excavations for the history of humanity.

If you are wondering why Gobekli tepe was buried or who built the göbekli tepe is still a big mystery for historians and archaeologists.

Gobekli tepe vacation

If you are planning to visit the ancient site Gobekli Tepe and looking for places to stay around? You should better to stay in Sanliurfa city center because Göbeklitepe or Potbelly Hill don’t have hotels nearby.

What hotels are near Gobekli Tepe?

There are several hotels near Gobekli Tepe that you may like.

During your Sanliurfa and Gobekli tepe vacation, you can taste the famous local foods.
What restaurants are near Gobekli Tepe?

Alya Ocakbasi
Livva Restaurant
Konak Restaurant
Müzepotamia Guest House

Also, we prepared a Sanliurfa guide that you may want to look at.

Cultural Tips

Here are some famous books about Gobekli Tepe for you: Gobekli Tepe: Genesis of the Gods: The Temple of the Watchers and the Discovery of Eden. This book is written by Andrew Collins. It is a very famous source about Göbeklitepe.

Another book offered is an adventure novel: The Genesis Secret by Tom Knox.

Gobekli tepe documentary Netflix

If you are looking for a nonfiction production, you should watch the Gobekli Tepe Documentary on National Geographic.

There are any Gobekli tepe documentaries on Netflix but you can watch The Gift TV series from Netflix which is based in Gobekli Tepe Turkey.

This famous Turkish Netflix TV Series: The Gift tv series known as Atiye is a fiction about Gobekli Tepe. Watch and learn the gift Netflix symbol meaning.

Top 5 Gobekli Tepe Tours 2023

Here are amazing 2023 Turkey tours that includes Gobeklitepe as well. Those cultural and archaeological tours Turkey are very fulfilling vacation options for you and your beloved ones!

Latest Gobekli Tepe News 2023

Every day we learn new things and the latest news from Gobekli Tepe. We will update the blog according to the news. What about Karahan Tepe?

Can you visit Karahan Tepe?

The experts still working on it. When Karahan Tepe will open itself for visitors, we will share with you the good news.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post and that it has everything you need to know before visit Gobekli Tepe in Turkey! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Enjoy that Unesco heritage Gobekli Tepe 2023. Safe travels!

Frequently Asking Questions About Gobekli Tepe Turkey

Here are some frequently asking questions about Gobekli tepe Turkey. If you have more questions, drop them below!

How to visit Gobekli tepe?

You can visit Gobekli tepe from all the cities in Turkey. Many cities have buses and some cities has flights to near Gobekli tepe. You can also go to Gobeklitepe by car.

Is it safe to visit Gobekli tepe?

You can visit very touristy and popular point Gobekli tepe without any hesitations. But like in every touristic place, you should be aware of some main rules such as minding your personal belongings and be careful when meet a stranger etc.

Is Gobekli tepe open to the public?

Gobekli tepe is open for public visitors. You should pay the entrance fee in order to see Gobekli tepe from closer.

Can i visit Gobekli tepe?

Yes you can visit Gobekli tepe either by your own or through tours. Whichever you will choose, I would like to share with you some of other blog posts of mine. They can be helpful during your travel to Turkey. Here you are.
Solo Travel To Turkey
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Sanliurfa Turkey Guide 2023

Gobekli Tepe Pinterest — **Save that pin for later.**

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