Uncovering the Mysteries of Göbekli Tepe

Traveling to Göbekli Tepe was a surreal experience! It’s way off the beaten path in southeastern Türkiye, but it’s been high on my list for a while. Join me for a unique travel vlog experience as we check out Göbekli Tepe and Şanlıurfa!
Shot on: December 20, 2023
Location: Şanlıurfa, Türkiye
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About this Göbekli Tepe vlog:
I’ve seen the Göbekli Tepe documentaries. I’ve heard about the Göbekli Tepe mysteries and theories. I’m happy to say that I made it out to Southeastern Türkiye and filmed a Göbekli Tepe vlog.
Before going to Göbekli Tepe, I looked around Sanliurfa, also called Urfa, to see some historic sights. Şanlıurfa is an extremely important city and a pilgrimage point for Muslims. In this Sanliurfa vlog, we check out:
-Balıklıgöl
-Dergah Complex
-The birthplace of Abraham (Cave of Abraham)
While in Urfa, I could also eat some local Urfa cuisine. For lunch, I got Urfa Yöresel Ara Sicak Tabağı, which included Semsek, İçli Köfte, Ağzı Açık and Ağzı Yumuk. For dinner, I got a Sade kebab.
Gobeklitepe was a surreal experience. You’ll have to watch this historical vlog to learn more about one of the most important archaeological finds in human history!
About the history of Göbekli Tepe:
Göbekli Tepe, a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, dramatically changing our understanding of prehistoric human society. Dating back to around 9600 BC, it predates Stonehenge by some 6,000 years, possibly the oldest temple complex ever discovered. This monumental site consists of massive stone pillars arranged in circular and rectangular formations, believed to have served as a sanctuary or ritual site rather than a settlement.
The pillars of Göbekli Tepe are carved with intricate reliefs of animals and abstract symbols, showcasing a sophisticated level of artistic and architectural skill for the period. These carvings include depictions of foxes, lions, scorpions, and vultures, which may have held symbolic meanings in what is thought to be early ritualistic or ceremonial practices. American archaeologist Peter Benedict's discovery of the site in the 1960s was underappreciated until German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt recognized its true significance in the 1990s.
Excavations at Göbekli Tepe suggest that it was used by early hunter-gatherers who had not yet developed agriculture or metal tools, highlighting its importance in the transition from nomadic to settled life. The site challenges the traditional narrative of the Neolithic Revolution, suggesting that religious activities may have preceded and even spurred the development of agriculture and permanent communities.
About visiting Sanliurfa:
Sanliurfa offers many attractions. Central to its charm is Balıklıgöl, a sacred pool known for its miraculous fish linked to the Prophet Abraham. Nearby, the cave believed to be Abraham's birthplace further enhances the city's spiritual significance. The Urfa Castle, perched atop a hill, offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the ancient fortifications. Sanliurfa's bazaars buzz with life, where one can explore the rich culinary heritage, including the famous isot pepper.
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#GobekliTepe #Sanliurfa #Urfa #AncientCivilizations #Archaeology #Prehistory #UNESCO #Neolithic #TravelTurkey #Türkiye #Balikligol #Abraham

[@b.c5519]

Bu kanalı keşfettiğim için çok mutluyum. Bir Türk olarak Türk gezginleri sürekli takip ediyorum. Bir yabancının ülkemizi ziyaret ederken duyduğu memnuniyeti görmek de bana mutluluk veriyor. Sizi takip edeceğim. Başarılar 😊

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

I appreciate it! I’ve got a few more from Türkiye on the way!

[@InsideCopenhagen]

Türkiye is such an interesting country. Thank you for yet another great video. Love to see it!

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Glad you enjoyed it again! It’s a very interesting destination!

[@CyrilNathanMorris]

TravelTepe! Awesome video, I've always wanted to check out Gobleki Tepe. I bet you could handle a few of those pillars! Nice work

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

They looked pretty heavy. Thanks for believing in me though!

[@hello-fz6rb]

some pillar's weight is around the 60 tons.

[@firecracker.]

@TLOL this is fantastic! Stop making me homesick my friend 😊 I have never been to Urfa and how fascinating is Göbekli Tepe?! 12K years…wow. Thank you for sharing such amazing videos. Love them all. 🇹🇷

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Good to hear! It was a great trip out to Urfa!

[@cemyildiz7842]

Just a small notice, there are several more "Göbeklitepes" around the region, South-Eastern Turkey and in Syria. But non of them excavated much as Göbeklitepe.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Yeah I heard some could be older. I hope I can check those out someday

[@minekeskin4050]

Hoşgeldiniz ülkemize,keyifli gezmeleriniz olsun...

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Thank you!

[@Marymaurer990]

How fascinating this video was - to think people started this 12000 years ago? That’s hard to wrap your hands around. Amazing photography. You look so happy on your travels; it sure suits you. I also love the food trials you sprinkle in. Very fun even if HOT pepper! And now you are off to somewhere else - where next Travel Lord?

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos! I have a few more from Türkiye and other places. I’m off to Taiwan soon though

[@Kostakihsan56]

You captured Gobeklitepe it so beautifully. I almost felt like it. I live in Izmir, with love

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Glad you enjoyed it! Izmir is great!

[@amyburns1672]

Excellent video! The music suits it so well! Extremely interesting!! Wow! Thanks for sharing and taking all the bus rides to do so!

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Glad it was helpful! It was great to see!

[@hazorg16]

Your Turkish pronunciation gets better and better! Excellent video as expected. You always manage to make the video about the places you are seeing and not about you, while making excellent commentary. That drink is called 'ayran' and I'm surprised you haven't tried it before. It's one of our national drinks and it's just watered down yoghurt with added salt, it is great for lip burn. Sade Kebap is known as Urfa Kebap everywhere in Turkey, except for Urfa :) Even though you did a very good job, it's so hard to explain the atmosphere in Göbekli Tepe. It's surreal and feels timeless to be there.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

I’m glad you liked the video! Yeah after watching the video months after I went I wasn’t sure I properly explained the feeling of being there. I was worried about getting all the facts in. Great experience though!

[@hazorg16]

@@TravelLordOnLoc Your non-rushed cinematography and on point commentary helps to convey the gravity of the place but people just need to be there to understand what it really is like. Literally breathtaking.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

@@hazorg16 Yes, I agree. There's only so much I can show but being there is very different!

[@rutter363]

wow

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Thanks for watching!

[@Moirae-ti5gh]

Great video and I love your videos so much ❤❤❤

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

I’m happy to hear it! I’m thanks for watching!

[@MysteryHistoryParadox]

I just discovered your channel. Your videos about Turkey are great. Thank you very much.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

I appreciate it! A few more will come out over three next few days!

[@mychannel8110]

Amazing and incredible vlog

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

I appreciate it!

[@kqdrill]

I love my country. My country is so rich about everything; warm peoples, history, weather, kindness to religions, cosmopolit cities and more... But nowadays my peoples struggling with economy and everybody is so aggressive because of that. I hope this country could reach the point it deserve. Peace at home, peace in the world. Greate video my friend its really amazing to been a place that was home for peoples that lived 12000 years ago... Wow man keep it up!

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

The longer I stayed the more places I realized I need to visit in Türkiye! There are still more on the list so I’ll be back!

[@musagultekin2510]

22:40 name is AYRAN (like a pronounce= i run ) yogurt, water and salt made off

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Good to know! It might’ve saved my life hahaha

[@careqq]

Take a sip after biting the kebab. You will understand why the drink is consumed with kebab. 👍

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

@@careqq Yeah, I understand it hahaha

[@beyazzambak5522]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Thank you!

[@TunaySelcukk]

Biber sahnesi efsane 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙂 Yolda giderken ağzının yanmasının geçmediği çok belliydi 👍🏻😄

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Hahahaha yeah I didn’t realize how spicy those get!

[@Tonymontana19005]

We love you 🇹🇷❤️🇺🇲

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

I love your comments! Hahaha

[@GEILTOY]

Göbeklitepe is one of the 33 hills which is discovered as historicsl Places. Some of them started to be excaved Specially at Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe and Novariçori. The others will follow by one by

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

It’s very cool to see! I heard some of the other sites might be even older

[@sukruesin6394]

I think you made a great decision to go to Urfa. Göbeklitepe is definitely worth to visit! You should visit once again and spend more time. Cities next to Urfa also have quite unique cuisine and architecture.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Yeah there are other places in the region I’d like to get to!

[@futuranaut]

Thx!

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

No thank you!

[@neslihanaydogan6577]

Firstly, it was a perfect episode, thanks for sharing with us! The wrap that you made was fairly correct, the only thing is you should peeled the pepper before putting into the wrap :). Last but not least, there is one thing that you can do nightly at Urfa which is "Sıra Night"(Sıra Gecesi in Turkish), just google it please and thanks for the episode again and again.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

The is for the advice! I’ll check out the nightlife suggestion!

[@nilgunuygun1712]

❤

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Thanks for watching!

[@SuperElborbah]

👍

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Always appreciated!

[@krastsanguinar9514]

Lovely video, urfa might actually be more famous for its cuisine than history. If those are the only places you've been to eat... Man you've missed some things. Also noticed in your intro Northern Cyprus looks like it is part of Turkey, which is incorrect. Turkey recognizes it as an independent country while rest of the world does not recognize it's independence from southern cyprus (politics...). Regardless if you like some night life and casinos (and way cheaper alcohol) it is also a must visit.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

I did try some other foods. I didn’t get to spend enough time there though and missed some nearby cities like Adana and Gaziantep. I hope to get back there soon!

[@YsmA.]

The discovery that refutes the Greek thesis. Before them, Anatolia was the Turkish homeland

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Interesting! Thanks for watching!

[@YsmA.]

@@TravelLordOnLoc We thank you for the video.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

@@YsmA. No problem!

[@emreemre209]

First 🇹🇷👍🏻

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

It’s true!

[@GEILTOY]

The liquid yoghurt is called Ayran and it‘s Turkish traditions Beverage. There is too much historical place in Sanliurfa which you didn‘t get to show.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Yeah I wasn’t able to show everything but if I make it back there I will go to some of the other sites

[@user-tc7nh2gq9q]

Great video! Beautiful footage!

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@99PercentPractice]

Milord, a quick question: You can't catch or eat those fish but is it permitted to take them on a quick tour of Göbekli Tepe?

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

I think it would be discouraged

[@tark3490]

türk olma yolunda emn adımlarla 18 saatlk otobüs yolcuğlu harka biişi ama yorucu seni daha yeni keşfettiğimi için üzgünüm biraz basarılarının devamını diliyorum ve yediğin sade kebap yanı urfa kebabı acısız adana kebap ise acılı ve urfaya göre daha baharatlıdır. bi sonraki videonda görüsüüz

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

I really like the Adana kebab! I eat one in an upcoming video!

[@caneryuruyen2708]

It predates writing more than ten centuries, more like 90 centuries considering writing was invented around 3000 BC.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Could be true! That is more than ten centuries hahaha

[@muratozturk6806]

the first civilization is ours 😜

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Indeed!

[@yagmuru7408]

Ağzı yamuk falan diyor 😊 Adam resmen birkaç haftada Türk oldu 😂

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Hahaha that’s the name right?

[@burakkuzaytepe]

You ate the kebab very well

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Thanks! I did my best hahaha!

[@burakkuzaytepe]

@@TravelLordOnLoc Afiyet olsun :))

[@monsterf1]

The video was perfect, you are really good at this, but there is something that bothers me. Did you really travel for 18 hours by bus😅? I think a plane would have made more sense for this, but still, have a nice trip, you are amazing.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Hahaha I appreciate it! Yeah I did take an 18 hour bus ride to Izmir. Actually the Turkish busses are quite nice so I enjoy the ride. They give out some snacks and drinks etc. I took a flight to Mardin but then decided to take the bus back with a stop in Urfa

[@monsterf1]

@@TravelLordOnLoc It's nice to hear that, it really shows how much effort you've put in. I can't thank you enough, just keep going, I'm always your follower.🤗

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

@@monsterf1 I appreciate it! More on the way!

[@nuraydin3347]

Are you back to Turkiye ? Enjoy it

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Not back, but shot a lot when I was there. I still have three more that I’ll post in the next few weeks. Hope to be back soon though!

[@nuraydin3347]

I’m glad to hear that 🙏

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

@@nuraydin3347 I tried something new for the Antalya video coming up!

[@Gokhankara777]

22:40 it's name ayran

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Good to know! Thank you!

[@zebvalli3430]

Was this area effected in the recent earthquake?

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Yes it was to an extent. Some sites and the museum of archaeology weren’t open because they were damaged

[@Kostakihsan56]

My Lord; maybe it's unimportant, but I should point out that it means " ağzı yumuk": closed-mouthed. It's like his eyes are closed. I think there was a translation error

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Ah thank you! It was confusing nonetheless!

[@chemistry5834]

Ayran :) not milk

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Thank you!

[@Tamara-nn1wr]

It is on Aremenian Highlands. Turkey was created in 1453, and Turkiye (new spelling) created itd 569th Anniversary in May 2022. Stolen Greek, Armenian and Eastern Roman Empire histories.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

Yes, there are many different histories mixed together!

[@Tamara-nn1wr]

@@TravelLordOnLoc - Not really. Armenian and Byzantine history in the area go back thousands of years. Armenians go back to Hittites. Easter Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, And Armenian rulers rule the area. Ottoman Turks (Seljukes and Mongols) ancestors who moved West from the East and Far East in 11-12 centuries AD burning and destroying everything on the way, they were tribes moved West through Persian. Calling any historic sites before 1453 AD Turkish history is falsifying the history of Turkey, because of politics of politics of thr West, an insult to Greeks and Armenians. Turkish governments tried to erase Armenians and Greeks and the the visitors that they were the natives of those lands. They butchered Armenians from 1824-1826, between 200-300 thousand called Hamidian killings. Again, they went after Armenians and Greeks from 1915s. Pls read about "Smyrna Burning". They killed about one million Greeks and thousands of Assyrians. You should have visited City of Ani, one of old Armenian capitals known as city of 1001 churches with amazing architectural building going back 1000 years. Any cultured government would take care of the historic buildings, but Turkish governments let it go to ruins in order to erase Armenian history. So, Turkish history was falsified and Western mostly history instants believed all the tales they were told, or were propagandists. The story goes with Azerbaijan's history. A country that was created in 1918 is claiming land from Armenians who have lived in Artsakh, Karabagh, for 2,700 years. To begin with Azerbaijan, the land, was part of Persian Empire till 1828. They lost a war to Russian Empire, 1826-1828, and surrendered the land to Russian Empire. Russians called it Tatarstan till mid 1930. Stalin stole the name, names of two Persian provinces, Azerbaijan and called it Azerbaijan to please Turkey (spelling then). Yerevan capital of Armenia celebrated its 2,800th Anniversary about six years ago. It is 29 years older than Rome. There is no country called Turkey or Azerbaijan on any world history maps.

[@TravelLordOnLoc]

@@Tamara-nn1wr Wow! Thanks for all that info. I will take a look!