Kurttepesi
Kurttepesi
Hello! Have you ever wondered how people lived thousands of years ago? Back then, there were no schools or cities as we know them today. Kurttepesi is an ancient settlement that whispers secrets from exactly that era. It was a village where people lived by hunting and gathering approximately 11,000 years ago.
Kurttepesi is located in the Şanlıurfa province of Türkiye, near the district of Bozova. This region is so significant that it is home to other world-famous ancient sites such as Göbeklitepe. Scientists have named this area “Taş Tepeler.” Let us explore together the mysterious world of Kurttepesi.
Time Travel
Imagine stepping into a time machine and traveling back about 11,000 years. This period is known as the Neolithic Age. During this time, humans began to establish villages, cultivate the land, and domesticate animals. In other words, the story of the bread and vegetables we eat today began then.
The people living at Kurttepesi were part of this crucial transformation. They had not yet learned to make pottery, but they built remarkable tools and structures from stone. This era represents one of the most important steps in human history.
What Was Discovered at Kurttepesi?
Scientists and archaeologists—explorers who study the past—uncovered exciting discoveries during their excavations at Kurttepesi. Beneath the soil lay a history hidden for thousands of years. These findings help us understand how people lived during that time.
One of the most intriguing finds are large, mysterious stone pillars shaped like the letter “T.” These pillars have also been found at nearby ancient sites such as Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe. It is believed that these stones held special meaning for the people of that era and formed part of unique structures where gatherings and rituals took place.
Archaeologists also uncovered tools used in daily life. These include sharp tools made from flint, arrowheads and spear points used for hunting, and stone mortars for grinding plants. These are just a few examples that demonstrate their remarkable skill and ingenuity.
What Was Life Like at Kurttepesi?
The people of Kurttepesi lived in circular houses built from stone. These homes protected them from the cold and wild animals. For food, they hunted animals such as gazelle and wild boar, and gathered wild plants like wheat, barley, and lentils growing in nature.
Coming together was very important to them. On special occasions or during rituals, they gathered in areas where the large T-shaped stone pillars stood. These spaces served as centers for both social interaction and the expression of their beliefs—just as we gather together during holidays or special events today!

