Cyclists celebrate Klaus Schmidt’s legacy with tribute ride to Gobeklitepe

On the 10th anniversary of his passing, German archaeologist professor Klaus Schmidt, renowned for his work at Gobeklitepe, was commemorated with a unique cycling event.

Hundreds of cycling enthusiasts gathered in Sanliurfa to honor Schmidt’s legacy by riding from his former home to the ancient site.

As part of the fifth annual tribute event, participants met at Schmidt’s residence and embarked on the “Cycling in Klaus Schmidt’s Footsteps to Gobeklitepe” tour.

The group of approximately 100 cyclists pedaled 20 kilometers through the city to reach Gobeklitepe, where they had the opportunity to explore the archaeological site.

Merve Ofluoglu, Head of the Culture and Tourism Department of the Metropolitan Municipality, stated, “We plan to expand this event nationally and internationally every year. Gobeklitepe is our face to the world, and we will continue to honor Klaus Schmidt’s memory with gratitude.”

Aydin Aslan, director of Sanliurfa’s Culture and Tourism Department, highlighted Schmidt’s significant contributions to Gobeklitepe and human history.

The event was praised for reminding attendees of Schmidt’s profound impact on the scientific community and his enduring legacy in Sanliurfa.

Who was Klaus Schmidt?

Klaus Schmidt (December 11, 1953 – July 20, 2014) was a German archaeologist and prehistorian who led the excavations at Gobeklitepe from 1996 to 2014. Educated at the universities of Erlangen and Heidelberg, Schmidt completed his doctorate in 1983.

He began leading excavations at Gurcutepe and Gobeklitepe in 1995, establishing a base in Urfa. Schmidt was appointed an adjunct professor at the University of Erlangen in 2007 and passed away from a heart attack while swimming in Germany in 2014.