Göbeklitepe is a Neolithic archaeological site near the city of Şanlıurfa in Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey. The site comprises a number of large circular structures supported by massive stone pillars – the world's oldest known megaliths. Many of these pillars are richly decorated with abstract anthropomorphic details, clothing, and reliefs of wild animals, providing archaeologists a rare insights into prehistoric religion and the particular iconography of the period.
Göbekli Tepe is located in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, overlooking the Harran plain and the headwaters of the Balikh River, a tributary of the Euphrates. The site is situated on a flat limestone plateau. In the north, the plateau is connected to the neighbouring mountains by a narrow promontory. In all other directions, the ridge descends steeply into slopes and steep cliffs. On top of the ridge there is considerable evidence of human impact.
Future plans include construction of a museum and converting the environments into an archaeological park, in the hope that this will help preserve the site in the state in which it was discovered. In 2010, Global Heritage Fund (GHF) announced it will undertake a multi-year conservation program to preserve Göbekli Tepe. Partners include the German Archaeological Institute, German Research Foundation, Şanlıurfa Municipal Government, the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture and, formerly, Klaus Schmidt.