Şanlıurfa archaeological sites to become open-air museums

Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has announced major developments regarding archaeological sites in Şanlıurfa under the Taş Tepeler and Future Heritage projects. In Sayburç, approximately 70 structures uncovered across a 2,700-square-meter area will be transformed into an open-air museum and a pioneering village museum to showcase the transition from circular to rectangular housing architecture.

Karahantepe is highlighted for its revolutionary architectural elements, including some of the earliest known examples of stairs, windows, and corners, which provide insight into the origins of human myths and settled life following the Ice Age. Additionally, the Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi in Ankara is hosting the ‘A Hittite King at Yalburt Spring’ exhibition. This collaboration with the University of Illinois features 40 artifacts related to the Yalburt Monument from the reign of Great Hittite King IV. Tudhaliya, documenting archaeological research and discoveries dating back to 1970.

Furthermore, the UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers campaign recently brought participants from 12 countries to Şanlıurfa to engage with the scientific work being conducted at Göbeklitepe and the Taş Tepeler sites.