World Neolithic Congress kicks off in Sanliurfa with Minister Ersoy’s address

The World Neolithic Congress, aimed at fostering new perspectives on understanding Neolithic cultures worldwide, began in Sanliurfa, Türkiye.

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and supported by Türkiye’s Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, the congress has drawn nearly 1,000 scholars from 64 countries and 487 institutions.

The event will continue through Nov. 8, providing a platform for groundbreaking insights and dialogues on ancient life.

Groundbreaking research and debates on Neolithic cultures

The congress, opened by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, aims to enhance knowledge of the Neolithic era by examining traditional theories, sedentary lifestyles, social hierarchies, belief systems and environmental factors.

Experts in bioarchaeology, physical anthropology, dating techniques, and geoarchaeology will present and discuss recent findings, exploring how early societies evolved within their environmental and cultural contexts.

Renowned figures in Sanliurfa’s archaeological studies, including Klaus Schmidt, Harald Hauptmann, and Bruce Howe, will be commemorated. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit pivotal Neolithic sites such as Gobeklitepe, Karahantepe, Sayburc, Cakmaktepe and Sefertepe.

Türkiye’s ‘Golden Age of Archaeology’ and legacy for future generations

In his address, Ersoy emphasized Türkiye’s vision for a “Golden Age of Archaeology,” driven by the “Legacy for the Future Project,” a plan to replicate the last 60 years of archaeological progress in just four years.

“We envision this era as the ‘Golden Age of Turkish Archaeology,'” he noted, highlighting the cultural significance of Türkiye’s current archaeological renaissance.

Ersoy acknowledged the ongoing excavations and research spanning from Gobeklitepe to Karahantepe as pivotal to comprehending the Neolithic core. “Through these excavations, we are better able to understand and interpret the Neolithic era,” he added.

Platform for global dialogue on Neolithic life and culture

Representing 63 countries and 486 institutions, around 1,000 Neolithic experts are contributing to the congress, with 687 oral presentations and 62 poster sessions planned across 45 diverse sessions.

The congress, regarded as a vital platform for discussing Neolithic life globally, will delve into various aspects, from settlement transformation to social structures, environmental impact, nutrition and technology.

“This congress unites discussions on different Neolithic formations worldwide, bringing a comprehensive approach to the various ways of life and development across time and geography,” said Ersoy, underlining the congress’s global significance.

Türkiye emerges as cultural hub with 750 ongoing archaeological projects

Ersoy underscored the importance of the “Legacy for the Future Project,” which aims to position Türkiye as a cultural center. He reported that there are currently 750 archaeological excavations and research projects across the country. This year alone, the Turkish government allocated $174.7 million budget for these archaeological initiatives, showing Türkiye’s commitment to uncovering and preserving its historical heritage.

“These ongoing projects do more than illuminate our past; they lay the foundations for a rich cultural legacy for future generations,” he said, expressing confidence in the continued success of archaeological efforts across Türkiye.

With hopes for successful outcomes and invaluable contributions to global archaeology, Ersoy extended his gratitude to all those who contributed to organizing the congress.

Leading figures highlight Türkiye’s cultural and archaeological contributions

The program also featured speeches from other prominent figures, including Sanliurfa Governor Hasan Sildak, Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Sait Agan, Turkish Airlines (THY) Board Member Fatmanur Altun, AK Party Sanliurfa MP Asuman Cevahir Yazmaci, Tas Tepeler Project Coordinator professor Necmi Karul and congress scientific committee member professor Eleni Asouti.

The World Neolithic Congress’ opening program in Sanliurfa, Türkiye, concluded on a high note with a special “Turkish Waltzes” concert, celebrating the achievements and discoveries shared throughout the event.

The World Neolithic Congress will run for four days, continuing to foster discussions and discoveries that enrich our understanding of early human civilization.