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Enclosure C, Göbekli Tepe.

Göbekli Tepe, Turkey

A Monumental Site In Prehistory

Dating back to the 10th–9th millennia cal BC, Göbekli Tepe stands as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic. Situated in the Urfa Region of southeastern Turkey, it is widely regarded as the world’s earliest known temple complex.

The site consists of a series of oval (PPNA) and rectangular (PPNB) structures, featuring massive relief-carved stelae, some depicting intricate animal motifs.

Cultural Crossroads: Tracing Ritual Activity Through Material Remains

Despite much discussion surrounding the nature of pilgrimage sites, less attention has been given to the material remnants of ritual activities – an area MAX Lab is actively investigating. One such site reveals a rich tapestry of interaction, where artifacts suggest it was visited by groups from three distinct cultural regions:

 Upper Mesopotamia

A cradle of early urbanism and complex societies, Upper Mesopotamia was home to some of the world’s first cities. Material culture from this region often includes finely crafted ceramics, administrative tools like clay sealings, and architectural innovations.

Its influence at the site may point to long-distance connections and shared ritual practices that transcended regional boundaries.

The Zagros

Stretching across western Iran and eastern Iraq, the Zagros Mountains were inhabited by mobile pastoralist groups and early agricultural communities. Artifacts linked to this region often reflect a blend of local traditions and broader cultural exchanges.

Lithic tools, obsidian fragments, and distinctive pottery styles suggest the movement of people – and ideas – through rugged terrain into ritual landscapes.

The Southern Levant

Encompassing parts of modern-day Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, the Southern Levant was a dynamic cultural zone marked by diverse settlement patterns and evolving religious practices.

Material traces from this region – such as symbolic objects, decorated vessels, and imported goods – hint at the spiritual significance of the site and its role in broader networks of pilgrimage and exchange.

Information Box Group

Göbekli Tepe And The Archaeology Of Pilgrimage

Göbekli Tepe challenges conventional understandings of Neolithic society. Unlike settlements associated with early domestication, this site lacks residential structures, instead featuring imposing monuments likely tied to ritual gatherings. Such evidence suggests it functioned as a pilgrimage center, drawing visitors from across a broad geographical landscape.

At MAX Lab, we are working in collaboration with Dr. F.X. Le Bourdonnec and Dr. G. Poupeau of CNRS, alongside the site’s excavator, Prof. Klaus Schmidt of the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut. Our research focuses on sourcing the Göbekli Tepe obsidian to clarify its supra-regional connections.

Tracing Exchange Networks Through Obsidian Sourcing

A key aspect of pilgrimage sites is their material correlates – distinctive assemblages that differ from contemporary settlements. We hypothesize that Göbekli Tepe should contain a broader range of raw materials and artifact types, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its visitors. By analyzing obsidian sources, we aim to map the trade routes that facilitated long-distance exchanges and supported the movement of people and goods to this sacred site.

Through cutting-edge archaeological science, MAX Lab continues to expand our understanding of Göbekli Tepe’s role as a Neolithic gathering place, revealing its far-reaching impact on the societies of the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East.