Türkiye hosts world’s leading Neolithic minds in Sanliurfa

With the support of Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the World Neolithic Congress concluded with a closing session in Sanliurfa, drawing prominent archaeologists and researchers from around the world.

Held in collaboration with Istanbul University and Harran University, the four-day congress took place at the Osmanbey Campus, where 45 sessions across 13 different halls delved into the intricacies of the Neolithic period.

Discoveries in Neolithic research presented

Sinan Kilic, a lecturer in the Department of Archaeology at Van Yuzuncu Yil University, spoke to the Anadolu Agency (AA), expressing how the congress offered a valuable platform to present recent discoveries from the Lake Van region to the scientific community. “Hosting such a congress in Türkiye is a great opportunity for scientists,” he said.

“Neolithic specialists from across the globe came together, and I had the chance to meet colleagues I have long been in contact with but had never met in person. We heard fascinating insights, and we’re seeing the latest research here,” he added.

Global gathering for Neolithic enthusiasts

Elana Sergusheva, attending from Russia, shared her excitement, noting that she felt honored to be part of such a significant event and expressed gratitude to the organizers for their efforts.

Professor Douglas Baird from the University of Liverpool, who studies Neolithic developments in Anatolia, expressed his enthusiasm for the congress. “This first-ever World Neolithic Congress was a fitting choice for Türkiye and Sanliurfa, where researchers from around the world gathered to share thrilling insights into Neolithic developments. I hope this will be the first of many such congresses, as we have learned so much here,” Baird commented.

The congress underscored Türkiye’s role as a central hub for Neolithic research, bringing together international minds to explore and discuss new findings in one of the world’s oldest civilizations.