Urfa Man: The First Life-Size Sculpture in Human History

‘Urfa Man’ (also known as Balıklıgöl Statue) was unearthed in 1993 during a road work in Yeni Mahalle in Şanlıurfa city centre.

Dating back approximately 11,500 years to the Neolithic period, this impressive artifact reveals the artistic skills and belief systems of people from that era.

Features of the Urfa Man Statue:

The limestone statue, standing at 1.80 meters tall, is sculpted in a form and size very close to that of a real human.

One of the most striking features of the statue is the black obsidian pieces placed in its eye sockets, which add a mystical aura to the sculpture.

Apart from the lines resembling a “V”-shaped necklace, the statue is depicted in a naked form, with its hands clasped in front.

The statue has distinct facial features, and the absence of a mouth is thought to carry various symbolic meanings, such as silence, mystery, or immortality.

Additionally, the statue has no feet.

Its posture and overall appearance suggest a ritualistic significance.

The Urfa Man statue dates back to the same period as Göbekli Tepe, demonstrating the advanced artistic and cultural abilities of people from that time.

Being the oldest known life-size human statue in the world gives this artifact unique importance.

The statue provides significant insights into the belief systems, rituals, and social structures of the Neolithic period.

Today, the Urfa Man statue is exhibited at the Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum.