A New Era in Göbeklitepe: Excavations Begin in the Northern Section

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the start of excavations in the northern section of Göbeklitepe, covering an area of approximately 80 by 70 meters. The 2026 excavation, restoration, and conservation efforts at Göbeklitepe have begun, with the southern and western areas of the mound being covered with protective roofs. This year, excavations have started for the first time in the northern section. Surface surveys and geomagnetic measurements in the new excavation area, which spans around 80 by 70 meters, indicate the presence of large public structures and huts. Minister Ersoy stated

We are taking our research to new areas in Göbeklitepe. As part of our Heritage for the Future Project, we have started excavations for the first time in an area of approximately 80 by 70 meters in the northern section of the mound. The data obtained from surface surveys and geomagnetic measurements indicate the presence of large public structures and rectangular planned buildings and huts in this area.

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In addition to the work in the new excavation area, research is also being conducted simultaneously in the GT1 and GT2 areas. Excavations carried out as part of the Heritage for the Future Project have uncovered rectangular planned buildings dating back to the 8th millennium BC, which belong to the second phase of Göbeklitepe.

in his announcement regarding the new research area. Minister Ersoy emphasized that both new areas are being researched and previous excavation sites are being worked on simultaneously. He stated, “We are conducting our work in the new excavation area, as well as in the GT1 and GT2 areas, simultaneously. The structures we have uncovered so far provide new data on the unknowns of Göbeklitepe.” Conservation and restoration efforts are also underway at Göbeklitepe. The consolidation work in Structure C, which was largely completed in 2025, is continuing in the 2026 season. The final pieces of the surface of one of the re-erected pillars are being placed in their original positions. In Structure D, the walls have been consolidated, and the ground connections of the two pillars at its center have been strengthened. Conservation work is being carried out using steel cables to make the pillars more resistant to earthquakes. Minister Ersoy emphasized that excavation and conservation efforts at Göbeklitepe are being carried out with a holistic approach, stating

We also attach great importance to conservation efforts alongside excavations. We are placing the final pieces of the surface of one of the pillars in Structure C in their original positions, while also consolidating the walls and the ground connections of the two pillars in Structure D. We are making the pillars more resistant to earthquakes using steel cables. The renewed walking paths, taking into account the new excavation areas, will soon be opened to visitors. By conducting excavation, restoration, and conservation efforts simultaneously at different points in Göbeklitepe, we are carrying this unique heritage into the future with a holistic approach. I would like to thank the General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums, our excavation team, our scientists, and all our team members who work selflessly in the field.

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