Archaeologists in southeast Turkey have uncovered a new set of ancient objects that are helping experts better understand how people lived more than 11,000 years ago.
The discoveries were announced by Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Ministry, which said the findings add important details to the story of the Neolithic Age, a time when humans began forming early communities.
The new items were found at several sites in Şanlıurfa province, an area already known for famous Neolithic locations such as Göbekli Tepe and Karahantepe. These sites are part of a larger research effort called the Tas Tepeler Project, which explores some of the world’s oldest human settlements.
According to officials, researchers uncovered about 30 new objects. These include statues of humans and animals, small figurines, stone plates, vessels, beads, and pieces of jewelry.
One of the most interesting items is a human-shaped bead that appears to have been used as an ornament. Experts say these discoveries show that early people had artistic skills and used symbols in daily life and rituals.
Another major finding is a statue with a sad or mourning facial expression. Archaeologists believe this could be linked to early funeral traditions or spiritual practices. This type of emotional expression carved into stone is extremely rare for such an early period.
At Karahantepe, researchers also discovered a T-shaped stone pillar with a human face carved into it. This is the first time a human-faced pillar of this style has been found.
The site contains several stone structures arranged in oval shapes, and many pillars are decorated with carvings of animals. Experts think the pillars may have represented important people or figures from that time.
These discoveries suggest that Neolithic people in this region were far more organized and creative than previously thought. They may have still been hunter-gatherers, but evidence shows they built large stone structures, held ceremonies, and had complex beliefs.
The Tas Tepeler Project covers 12 ancient sites that are believed to date back to around 9,500 BC. Researchers say the new findings are helping to fill gaps in our understanding of early human life from the tools people used to the rituals they practiced.
Archaeologists expect more discoveries as excavations continue, and they hope these findings will provide an even clearer picture of how early societies formed and developed in the region.
