Just three decades ago, a discovery by German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt at Göbekli Tepe in southeastern Turkey began to rewrite the story of human history. Schmidt and his colleagues found a buried treasure trove of megaliths, some dating back more than 11,000 years—far older than any similar structures found elsewhere. These intricately carved pillars, often arranged in circles, were adorned with sophisticated animal reliefs and mysterious symbols that suggest a complexity of thought and artistry previously unimagined for the Neolithic era.

The findings at Göbekli Tepe challenged long-held beliefs about the timeline of human development. Contrary to what history books had long taught—that settled life followed the advent of agriculture—Göbekli Tepe reveals a different narrative. Here, hunter-gatherers erected monumental stone enclosures before they cultivated crops. And these structures were deliberately buried by the people who built them, adding to the enigma of their purpose and meaning. Archaeologists have expanded their search to several surrounding sites. Among them, Karahan Tepe has recently begun to share its secrets.

Serif Yenen, a Turkish tour guide, guidebook author, and filmmaker, delves into the captivating stories of Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe, and neighboring stone hills. Discover what these ancient monuments reveal about the people who built them and explore the profound questions they pose about our past—questions that continue to challenge our understanding of civilization.

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