Excavations at the Neolithic settlement of Sayburç, one of the “Stone Hills” in Şanlıurfa, have revealed over 50 structures—comprising both domestic dwellings and public buildings.
Sayburç, located near Eyyübiye in Şanlıurfa, is among the key sites of the Taş Tepeler (“Stone Hills”) Project, launched under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Since 2021, excavations led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eylem Özdoğan from Istanbul University, in collaboration with the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, have been systematically uncovering this significant settlement.
Archaeologists have identified more than 50 structures so far. Most are residential buildings, while about five serve as public structures.
Domestic vs. Public Architecture
- Residential buildings typically include hearths, platforms, benches, and work areas—evidence of routine domestic activities such as food preparation and craftsmanship.
- Public buildings, in contrast, display more elaborate features, notably multiple T-shaped standing stones arranged along walls and sometimes centered within rooms—symbolic architecture reminiscent of Göbeklitepe traditions.
In dwellings, a single T-shaped pillar is the norm; in public buildings, these are placed more prominently and in higher numbers.
A 300-Year Continuity of Occupation
Sayburç stands out for its continuous occupation spanning approximately 300 years. This uninterrupted use enables archaeologists to observe a clear architectural progression—from circular plans to rectangular layouts—providing valuable insights into early Neolithic cultural and technological evolutions.
Relevance to the Neolithic Transition
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özdoğan notes that the co-existence of domestic and communal spaces in one settlement offers a unique window into both everyday life and the ceremonial or communal practices of early Neolithic societies. Sayburç is particularly important for understanding the shift from mobile hunter-gatherer groups to settled, socially complex communities that feature symbolic and communal architecture.
