Türkiye’s Gobeklitepe welcomes over 700K visitors in 2024
Gobeklitepe, Sanliurfa, Türkiye, November 6, 2024. (Photo via Koray Erdogan/Türkiye Today)
The 12,000-year-old archaeological marvel known as “the zero point of history,” Gobeklitepe hosted 709,643 visitors in 2024. A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Türkiye, Gobeklitepe has become a cornerstone of cultural tourism.
Historic journey of visitor numbers
Since opening to visitors in 2018, Gobeklitepe‘s journey has been remarkable. Despite partial closures because of protective roof construction, approximately 70,000 visitors explored the site in its debut year. Momentum, built in 2019, was declared the “Year of Gobeklitepe” by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with 412,378 visitors recorded.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted numbers in 2020, with only 197,912 visits. However, by 2021, the site rebounded, hosting 567,453 people, setting a new four-year high. Gobeklitepe shattered records in 2022, drawing 850,000 visitors. Yet, 2023 saw a steep decline to 317,253 visitors because of the Kahramanmaras-centered earthquakes and subsequent floods.
In 2024, visitor numbers surged again, placing Gobeklitepe among the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s most-visited sites.
‘Gobeklitepe, a must-visit destination,’ say tourists
Muslum Coban, a Board Member of the Union of Tourist Guides Chambers, expressed optimism for the region’s tourism sector. “In 2024, nearly 710,000 visitors came to Gobeklitepe, both domestically and internationally, driven by the excitement of seeing this ancient wonder. Many visitors even returned for a second visit,” Coban stated.
November’s World Neolithic Congress also influenced the rise in numbers in Shanliurfa. “This congress significantly boosted international interest. We are hopeful for 2025, as global connections have strengthened, especially among travel agencies,” he added.
Ambitious goals for 2025
Coban revealed bold ambitions for the coming year: “Our target for 2025 is to exceed 1.5 million visitors. With the increased international promotion of Gobeklitepe, Karahantepe, and the Tas Tepeler (Stone Mounds) Project, we expect a significant influx of global tourists.”
He credited the success of recent promotional efforts and noted the positive economic impact on the local tourism industry and businesses.
Tourists speak of unforgettable experiences
Huseyin Ozdemir, a visitor from Adana, emphasized the unique appeal of Gobeklitepe. “We came here with guests from Istanbul and Konya. Seeing 12,000-year-old remains is extraordinary. This is a place everyone must visit,” he said.
Ozdemir also highlighted the need for continued archaeological efforts: “Watching it on TV or online doesn’t compare to experiencing the atmosphere here. The dedication and effort put into preserving Gobeklitepe are remarkable.”
As the site prepares for another milestone year, Gobeklitepe continues to solidify its reputation as a global cultural treasure, drawing visitors eager to experience the cradle of civilization firsthand.
