World Neolithic Congress set to convene in Türkiye’s Sanliurfa

The “World Neolithic Congress,” organized by Istanbul University and Harran University with support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, will take place in Sanliurfa, Türkiye, from Nov. 4 to 8.

The international event, aimed at fostering new perspectives on global Neolithic cultures, will be opened by the Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.

Sanliurfa: Home to ancient Neolithic sites

Held at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Harran University, the congress will bring nearly 1,000 academics from over 64 countries and 487 institutions.

As one of the world’s oldest Neolithic sites, Sanliurfa offers a unique setting, featuring remarkable locations such as Gobeklitepe and Karahantepe, both key to early human civilization.

Exploring Neolithic life, society and beliefs

The congress will delve into a comprehensive range of topics, including the study of traditional Neolithic theories, settled life patterns, social hierarchies, belief systems and environmental influences.

Attendees will also explore specialized fields such as bioarchaeology, dating methodologies, physical anthropology and geoarchaeology, enhancing a deeper understanding of humanity’s earliest social structures and environmental adaptation.

Remembering pioneers and visiting Türkiye’s ancient treasures

In a series of tributes, the congress will honor key contributors to Sanliurfa’s archaeological excavations, such as Klaus Schmidt, Harald Hauptmann and Bruce Howe.

Attendees will also have the rare opportunity to visit prominent Neolithic sites, including Gobeklitepe, Karahantepe, Sayburc, Cakmaktepe, and Sefertepe, all rich with insights into ancient human civilization.

The event promises to be a landmark gathering for experts seeking to unlock the mysteries of the Neolithic era, offering an in-depth look into the origins of settled human life and its cultural foundations.