Enclosures

This illustration shows the main excavated enclosures at Göbekli Tepe, one of the world's oldest known ritual complexes, dating back to around 9600 BCE. While geophysical surveys indicate that dozens of enclosures remain buried beneath the mound, archaeologists have so far excavated, cleaned, and studied only a small number of major enclosures, identified today as Enclosures A, B, C, and D. These circular and oval stone structures are defined by carefully built perimeter walls and massive T-shaped limestone pillars, many of which are decorated with reliefs of animals, abstract symbols, and human-like forms.

Among them, Enclosure D is the largest and most complex, featuring central pillars that are widely interpreted as stylised human figures, possibly representing ancestral beings or ritual authorities. The layout shown here also highlights connecting walkways, stairways, and architectural elements that suggest controlled movement and ceremonial use rather than domestic activity. This page provides an overview of these key enclosures; visitors can click on each enclosure card below to explore detailed information about their architecture, symbolism, and archaeological interpretation.