Sayburç Excavations Reveal 12,600-Year-Old Neolithic Settlement with Over 50 Structures

Archaeological excavations in Şanlıurfa, southeastern Türkiye, are shedding new light on one of the most critical turning points in human history. At the Sayburç Neolithic settlement, researchers have uncovered more than 50 structures dating back 12,600 years. The excavations are part of the “Taş Tepeler Project”, a large-scale initiative led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to explore sites connected to the Göbekli Tepe culture.

Houses and Public Buildings Side by Side

Directed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eylem Özdoğan of Istanbul University, the team has identified both domestic dwellings and public buildings. Houses revealed hearths, working areas, and platforms, while communal spaces featured striking T-shaped pillars, a hallmark of Göbekli Tepe culture.

“Sayburç gives us the rare opportunity to observe both daily life and communal activities of early Neolithic communities,” Özdoğan noted.

An Architectural Shift: From Round to Rectangular

Sayburç stands out for its continuous occupation over nearly 300 years, offering archaeologists a detailed record of cultural change. Excavations document the clear transition from round-plan houses to rectangular buildings, marking a major shift in Neolithic architecture and construction techniques.

Place Within the Taş Tepeler Landscape

Alongside Karahantepe and Göbekli Tepe, Sayburç is considered one of the most significant Neolithic settlements in Southeastern Anatolia. These sites collectively illustrate the transformation from hunter-gatherer groups to settled communities, while also revealing changes in religious practices and social organization.

Global Significance

According to the excavation team, Sayburç is not only an impressive archaeological discovery but also a key to understanding humanity’s cultural evolution. The settlement provides a continuous record of the shift to sedentary life, making it an unparalleled case study among Neolithic sites worldwide.