site.btaNeolithic-Era Artifacts Discovered in Southeastern Turkiye, Bulgarian Archaeologists Take Part in Excavations

World-renowned Turkish archaeologist Prof. Necmi Karul and his team, including Bulgarian archeologists, have uncovered remarkable Neolithic-era artifacts during excavations in the Sanliurfa region of southeastern Turkiye. “One of the most unique pieces is a stone vessel from a special complex at Tas Tepeler, which contains another smaller vessel inside. Animal figures are depicted on it in a sequence that appears to tell a mythological story,” Karul told BTA in an interview on Friday during a scientific conference. The interview took place during a scientific conference in Ankara that brought together all directors of archaeological excavations in Turkiye.

The discoveries, made at the Stone Hills sites of Gobekli Tepe, Tas Tepeler, and Karahan Tepe, include a stone leopard sculpture, ritual vessels decorated with animal motifs, and large human statues.

Currently, Karul leads the excavations at Gobekli Tepe, a UNESCO World Heritage site often described by scientists as a site that "changes the course of history." Among the most impressive findings is the stone leopard, dated between 9600 and 8200 BCE.

“Neolithic art is incredibly powerful. The preservation of these figures allows them to tell their own story, one that speaks volumes about the technology, architecture, and artistic vision of that time. The finds continue to amaze us and confirm that this region near Şanliurfa experienced a highly dynamic period,” Karul said.

According to Karul, the Stone Hills near Sanliurfa hold some of the most significant evidence of human development. “If Gobekli Tepe, Tas Tepesi, and Karahan Tepe are not the birthplace of civilization, they are certainly sites of some of its most important early moments. This is where people hunted, began domesticating animals, and learned agriculture. When we look at it this way, we understand that these were some of the key turning points in human evolution,” he said.

Karul noted that Bulgarian archaeologists are active participants in excavations in Sanliurfa. “For years, I’ve collaborated with colleagues from Bulgaria, especially in the Thrace region. I work closely with Prof. Ivan Gatsov and Assoc. Prof. Petranka Nedelcheva from National Museum of History. Their students are also involved in joint archaeological projects in Turkiye. This scientific partnership will continue in the years ahead,” he said.

In September, Bulgarian archaeologists are expected to return to Sanliurfa to take part in new stages of the ongoing projects.

“This year, one of the most exciting finds came from Karahan Tepe, a large human statue measuring between two and three metres, along with depictions of human figures on the inner walls. At Gobekli Tepe, where excavations have been ongoing for 25 years, we are now working on strengthening the stone walls and blocks. We expect the next phase of our work to begin in October,” Karul said.

The discoveries at the Stone Hills have also given rise to conspiracy theories, including claims of extraterrestrial involvement or suggestions that Gobekli Tepe was used as an astronomical observatory.

“People then lived much closer to nature, while modern urban lifestyles have distanced us from it. The images carved in stone, the animal compositions, the statues, all reflect how people felt part of the natural world. Yes, they looked to the sky, but that doesn’t mean they were in contact with space. Unfortunately, modern people often underestimate how well early humans could live with what they had. Rather than acknowledging their accomplishments, we look for alternative explanations. But we should understand that what happened at Gobekli Tepe was the result of human achievement, by people like us,” Karul explained.

He added that early humans and animals chose Gobekli Tepe for its natural advantages. “The area offered shelter from drought and cold. It was humid and fertile, which increased the population of animals and provided food security. That’s why so many people chose to settle there,” he said.

“We hope to learn more about the settlements in the region, their connections, and how people made use of natural resources. We have evidence of a large population capable of constructing major buildings and impressive statues and sculptures. What motivated them remains one of the big questions we continue to explore,” Karul concluded.