Gobeklitepe Welcomes More Than 4.4 Million Visitors Since UNESCO Recognition

Turkey

World's oldest known temple continues to strengthen southeastern Türkiye's appeal as a cultural tourism destination

Gobeklitepe, regarded as the world's oldest known temple, has attracted more than 4.4 million visitors since its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018. Located near Sanliurfa in southeastern Türkiye, the 12,000-year-old archaeological site has become one of the country's most important cultural attractions, drawing growing numbers of domestic and international visitors.

Ancient sanctuary with global significance

Situated near the village of Orencik, around 18 kilometres from Sanliurfa, Gobeklitepe dates back approximately 12,000 years. Although the site was first identified during archaeological surveys in the 1960s, systematic excavations began in 1995 after the accidental discovery of a carved stone statue by a local farmer.

Excavations uncovered monumental T-shaped limestone pillars, some reaching six metres in height and weighing up to 60 tonnes. Decorated with detailed animal reliefs, the structures have transformed scientific understanding of early human civilisation and the origins of ritual architecture.

Gobeklitepe was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2018 after appearing on UNESCO's Tentative List since 2011. The international recognition significantly increased the site's global profile, prompting Türkiye to declare 2019 the "Year of Gobeklitepe" to promote the destination worldwide.

Visitor numbers continue to grow

Despite temporary declines during the COVID-19 pandemic and following regional natural disasters, official figures show that 4,409,590 people have visited Gobeklitepe over the past eight years.

Mehmet Kamil Turkmen, President of the Sanliurfa Tourism Development Association, said UNESCO recognition has played a decisive role in attracting international visitors.

"Approximately 4.5 million people have visited since 2018. Even in the first half of 2026, despite adverse weather conditions, we have already welcomed more than 320,000 visitors. This indicates we are on track to reach around one million visitors this year," he said.

UNESCO status strengthens regional tourism

Turkmen emphasised that UNESCO designation significantly increases a destination's international appeal.

"When a site is on the UNESCO list, it becomes a must-see destination in the eyes of international visitors," he said.

He also noted that other important heritage sites in the region, including Balikligol and Harran, are currently on UNESCO's Tentative List, while the nearby archaeological site of Karahantepe is expected to be considered for permanent inscription in the future.