Remembering Schmidt, who introduced Göbeklitepe to the world

Klaus Schmidt, the German archaeologist whose groundbreaking research at Göbeklitepe in southeastern Turkey reshaped understanding of early human civilization, is being honored on the 12th anniversary of his death. Schmidt’s work at the ancient site, often called the “zero point of history,” has left an indelible mark on the field of archaeology and global awareness of prehistoric cultures. Göbeklitepe, located near the border with Syria, is estimated to date back approximately 12,000 years and is considered the world’s oldest known monumental ritual site. The site gained initial attention during a 1963 surface survey led by Istanbul University and the University of Chicago. Interest intensified in 1986 when a farmer discovered a carved stone statue while tilling land near the area. This discovery sparked further investigation into the region’s ancient past. Schmidt’s involvement with Göbeklitepe began in 1994, when he visited the site and identified partially exposed stone pillars belonging to the Neolithic period. This observation set the stage for what would become one of the most transformative archaeological projects of the late 20th century. Excavations commenced the following year under the supervision of the Şanlıurfa Museum Directorate, with Schmidt playing a pivotal role. In 2007, he was officially appointed as the excavation director, marking a turning point in the project’s trajectory. Over the years, Schmidt and his team made remarkable discoveries, including towering T-shaped limestone pillars standing 3 to 6 meters high and weighing up to 60 metric tons. They also uncovered circular and rectangular stone enclosures, a 12,000-year-old human statue nearly 65 centimeters tall, a limestone wild boar sculpture, reliefs depicting foxes and birds, and numerous flint arrowheads. These artifacts provided compelling evidence that Neolithic communities possessed advanced organizational skills and cultural complexity, challenging previous assumptions that such capabilities emerged only after the advent of agriculture. The significance of these findings extended far beyond academic circles. Göbeklitepe soon became one of the most renowned archaeological sites globally, drawing scholars and enthusiasts from around the world. In 2011, the site was added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List, paving the way for its official designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition came just four years after Schmidt’s passing, fulfilling one of his lifelong aspirations and cementing the site’s place in the annals of human history. Schmidt passed away unexpectedly on July 20, 2014, due to a heart attack while on vacation in Germany. He was 61 years old and was laid to rest five days later in Diebach, a small town in the state of Hesse. His death marked the end of an era for both Turkish and international archaeology, as his contributions to the study of prehistoric societies were unparalleled. Mehmet Kamil Türkmen, head of the Şanlıurfa Tourism Development Association, reflected on Schmidt’s lasting impact on the city. “He brought extraordinary discoveries to our city,” Türkmen stated. “I never saw him without his traditional headscarf. To me, he was more of a Şanlıurfa native than many people born here. He was passionate, disciplined and completely dedicated to his work.” Türkmen described how Schmidt remained engaged even in the sweltering summer heat, greeting visitors from a small cabin at the entrance to the excavation site with his loyal dog by his side. His efforts played a crucial role in elevating Göbeklitepe’s profile on the global stage.