Olive trees have been planted directly atop the ancient enclosures at Gobekli Tepe, and their roots are now penetrating the site's infrastructure. Researchers have confirmed the roots are causing damage, and the trees prevent full excavation since they'd need to be removed first. Imagine planting an orchard on top of the oldest temple complex ever discovered. The preservation challenge here is unlike almost any other.
Sayburç site neglected with steel beam through ancient pillar
Key facts
- Sayburç is a little-known sister site of Gobekli Tepe with 11-12,000-year-old ruins
- The site is located on the side of a road in an impoverished neighborhood
- Ruins have been thrown about and scattered everywhere
- Trash has consumed the site and reconstruction efforts were ineffective
- A steel beam appears to be penetrating straight through a 12,000-year-old pillar
- There are no signs, fences, or barriers at the site
- Kids and farm animals have unrestricted access
Site mentioned
📍 Sayburç🌍 Show on the globe
Sources
Gobeklitepe controversy leads to removal of trees—here is whyturkiyetoday.com
Workers relocate olive trees at Göbeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sanliurfa, Türkiye, to protect ancient artifacts from potential ...
Gobeklitepe moves olive trees to safeguard ancient artifactsaa.com.tr
Gobeklitepe moves olive trees to safeguard ancient artifacts. 'As trees grew, their roots began to damage remains beneath surface,' says ...
Göbeklitepe moves olive trees to safeguard ancient artifactshurriyetdailynews.com
The trees are carefully uprooted using a technique that exposes their roots without causing harm. Once removed, the trees are handed over to the ...
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