Gobekli Tepe, Turkey
The work includes creating contact-free access of the archaeological site and erecting a shelter over the structures and excavated features. The shelter is designed with careful attention to climatic, conservation and aesthetic needs of the site. There is also a need for conservation and consolidation of the stone wall.
| Göbekli Tepe was built sometime between the 10th and 9th millennium BCE on the northern edge of the Fertile Crescent. The site is 1000 years older than the Wall of Jericho, 5000 years older than Troy, 6000 years older than Stonehenge, and 6500 years older than the Great Pyramids. Göbekli Tepe is a series of 24 temples arranged in an identical format. In the center of the temples stand two large monolithic pillars facing each other. These pillars are encircled by 10-11 smaller, inward facing pillars, with stone benches built in between them. The entire structure is connected via a well built retaining wall. It is speculated that the temples were covered with wooden beams supported by the center pillars. The megaliths have surprisingly poor foundations and it is theorized that this was to create an acoustic humming noise with the wind. The goals of the archaeologist who have been working at the site since 1994 are not to reconstruct the stone age architecture but to expose the monuments and keep them in their in-situ positions. This is necessary after unearthing them to protect them against the weather and other destructive forces. |
Project Details
Location: South-East Turkey, Turkey, Europe
Organiser(s):
Deutsch Archaeological Institute, Middle East Technical University, Global Heritage Fund
Funder(s):
Vehbi Koc Foundation
Funding received: $1597928
Commencement Date: 01/2010
Project Status: Completed
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