Hi, a Turkish archaeologist here. Actually, that’s what makes Göbeklitepe special. It’s a rare example that captures the neolithization process of the region in its infancy. The site dates back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) phase, which is extremely early.

The region was home to groups who were likely transitioning toward a lifestyle focused on cultivation and early agriculture. We’re looking at a densely populated landscape composed of smaller, clan-like societies interacting through complex kinship ties. In such a setting, it makes sense to see collaborative ritual centers built for these distant groups to interact periodically. Similar structures are being uncovered across the region, collectively known as the “Taş Tepeler” project.