The model of the Structure AB, uncovered during the archaeological excavations at Karahantepe, one of the key Neolithic-era settlements next to Haliliye district of Şanlıurfa, was developed by the Department of Architecture at Abdullah Gül University (AGU) with digital documentation. It is currently on display at the permanent exhibition themed "Karahantepe and Neolithic Humans" at Şanlıurfa Museum.
Dr. Nisa Semiz, Lecturer Bahar Elagöz Timur, and Lecturer Mehmet Gören created the model as part of the architectural documentation undertaken during the excavations.
The Structure AB
The Structure AB, measuring 8×6 meters, was carved into the bedrock and is believed to be built for special purposes. A human head is located at the center of a ridge on the side of the structure. A man is depicted on the head, whose neck reminds a snake due to the way it protrudes from the bedrock. There are phallus-shaped pillars in front of the head, four in the first row and six in the back. On one side of the structure, there is a set of stairs for descending and on the other side, there is another for the exit. All these findings suggest that the structure had a ritual function.
The artifacts excavated at Karahantepe show the artistic skills of humans who lived 11 thousand years ago. The excavations started in 2019 under the supervision of Prof. Necmi Karul found important artifacts of the Neolithic era and revealed structures from the same period with Göbeklitepe.
