Gobekli Tepe Karahan Tepe East Turkey Tour Sept 2023

Join Andrew Collins, author of Gobekli Tepe: Genesis of the Gods, and Hugh Newman, author of Earth Grids and Stone Circles, with special guest from the USA, JJ Ainsworth, a leading authority on ancient symbolism.

This one-off Megalithomania tour focusing on the traditional area of the 'Garden of Eden' will visit some of the world’s most important archaeological sites including Göbekli Tepe, the oldest stone temple complex, and Karahan Tepe, a recently excavated site from the same era. The new Urfa Archaeological Museum has hundreds of artefacts from Göbekli Tepe, Nevali Çori and other Pre-Pottery Neolithic 'Tas Tepeler' sites. We explore also the ancient city of Harran, and Sogmatar, site of the Seven Planetary Temples of the Sabians.

We get exclusive access to the stunning Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and underground Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, and take a private yacht trip on the Bosphorus. We visit Sanliurfa, the ancient Christian city of Edessa, birthplace of Abraham; and the traditional location of the Garden of Eden, home of the Watchers from the 'Book of Enoch', and the Annunaki of Sumerian legend. We visit the sacred city of Mardin and see also 12,000 year old artefacts from Neolithic sites such as Kortik Tepe, Çayönü and Bonkuklu Tarla. We will look at newly opened 'Tas Tepeler' sites, see the old city of Midyat, visit Lake Van, Tushpa, the Gate of Mehr, the biblical Mount Ararat, including the controversial location of Noah's Ark, and experience an atmospheric sunset at Nemrut Dag (Nimrod’s Mountain).

Your hosts Andrew Collins, Hugh Newman and JJ Ainsworth will be presenting evening lectures throughout the tour and discussing theories and new research on site.

Turkey Tour Costs:
Main Tour Early-Bird: $4995 USD (meet Istanbul)
based on double occupancy
Single occupancy supplement: $700 USD
Tour deposit: $400 USD
Please email info@megalithomania.co.uk for more info

We begin our journey meeting in Istanbul. Pick up at airport & to hotel. In the evening
Orientation and “Origins of Anatolian Civilization” presentation by Andrew Collins.

We will visit the Sultanahmet district, called the “historical peninsula”. First we will visit Ottoman ruins and after that the Blue mosque, the most important mosque in Istanbul with its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles and 200 stained glass windows.

Visit Byzantine monuments including the St. Sophia Museum (Hagia Sophia, the former Byzantine Church) – the greatest example of Byzantine architecture. Then we will see the Basilica Cistern, which was the main water provider for “Constantinople”, and we will also see the Byzantine Hippodrome where we will view beautiful obelisks and columns from the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman periods.

We continue with a stunning private boat trip along the Bosphorus seeing many remarkable sites with a sunset view.

After a morning flight to Sanliurfa in southeast Anatolia we will visit the stunning Sanliurfa Archaeological Museum to see display of compelling exhibition of artefacts from Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe and Nevali Cori, including the mysterious bone plaque with an artistic image of Gobekli Tepe discovered on our tour in September 2015, pictured below (see video here). We also see a full size reconstruction of the original site on display.

One of the most important parts of the museum is the Nevali Çori reconstruction, that was completly transported stone by stone from its original location to the museum. Also on display is the famous carved head with a Vedic looking serpent on the back of the head.

We will explore the Tektek Mountains where we will visit Karahan Tepe, Göbekli Tepe's sister site, where some of the most extraordinary discoveries anywhere in the world are being made at this time. We explore its astronomically aligned stone enclosures and see its estimated 250 T-shaped pillars. Many of the site's more portable carvings are now on display at Sanliurfa's archaeological museum. Hugh and JJ discovered a remarkable Winter Solstice Sunrise Alignment and you can watch the video here.

Both Hugh Newman and Andrew Collins have been visiting Karahan Tepe for many years and have developed a strong knowledge of its Pre-Pottery Neolithic culture. Now that it has been excavated, there are revelations here that could rewrite history. If possible we will visit the nearby Keceli Hill, where Hugh and Andrew have previously investigated hypogeum caves and rock-cut features.

Visit Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest stone temple complex, constructed nearly 12,000 years ago, making it the oldest megalithic site on the planet. See its extraordinary rings of T-shaped standing stones with carved reliefs of birds, animals and other abstract forms. Learn its history and place in the origins of civilization.

Göbekli Tepe, the oldest place of worship in the world, is an archaeological site without equal. Prior to its discovery in 1994 and its subsequent excavation it was widely believed by anthropologists that religion evolved as a result of living in larger communities which was itself the result of the change from foraging to agriculture.

However Göbekli Tepe has turned our theories of our own evolution on their head. The vast religious site dates from the hunter gatherer period and there is no evidence of any agriculture in its earliest phases suggesting that it may have been the emergence of religion that lead us to civilisation and thus to agriculture. It is hard to overestimate the significance of this finding.

The site contains a vast array of circular structures and huge pillars, some with beautiful limestone carvings of lions, foxes, snakes and birds, believed to be gatekeepers of the entrance to the next world. There are striking similarities to sites in Peru, Bolivia and Easter Island that Hugh has written about in an article on Graham Hancock's website.

We will also take a pilgrimage to the ancient city of Harran, once the centre of Egypt’s Hermetic tradition. See its ominous Astronomical Tower, citadel and local village, and take in one of the most atmospheric sites anywhere in the world. Mentioned in the book of Genesis, Harran is believed to have once been home to the Prophet Abraham. The site of the first Islamic university in Anatolia, Harran also boasts the remains of an 8th century mosque, a citadel and some 300 year old beehive mud homes.

We will also visit the Pools of Abraham, and the birthplace of the great prophet. Urfa (a.k.a. Sanliurfa, “the prophet’s city”, or Edessa in ancient times) is the most spiritual city in East Turkey. It is a major center for pilgrimage and its traditions are very much alive and well. The “Sanli-“ part of its name (meaning “great” or “dignified”) was awarded by the Turkish legislature in 1984 in recognition of the city’s pivotal role in the Turkish war of Independence. Of particular note for visitors are Urfa castle (the current walls were constructed by the Abbasids in 814AD), the Pool of Sacred Fish where Abraham was thrown into the fire by Nimrod, the park of mosques, the market area and Urfa museum.

If possible we will visit two more Pre-pottery Neolithic sites which are part of the 'Tas Tepeler' complex, Kurt Tepesi and Sefer Tepe both where T-shaped pillars have been found and are still under excavation. We will explore the rarely visited ancient Sabian city of Sogmatar with its seven planetary temples, central mound and fascinating tombs showing carvings of gods, kings and dignitaries of the Syrian age some 2000 years ago.

We will visit Diyarbaker. See the city’s impressive city walls, and its archaeological museum with exhibits from Çayönü, Kortik Tepe. Later visit the site of Çayönü, an 11,000-year old Neolithic complex northwest of Diyarbakir. Explore nearby cave tombs, tunnels and rock platforms, some of which could date back to Neolithic times.

In Mardin, this is where we visit various sites of historical and mystical importance. We will visit the Dar-ez-Zaferan monastery, otherwise known as the Saffron Monastery, which belongs to the Syria Orthodox church. See there its shrines and chapels and visit also the 4000-year-old temple of the sun beneath the current monastery. It will be a chance to comtemplate and reflect on what has been seen and experienced across the past two weeks before finally heading out to Bonkoklu Tarla and Kortik Tepe, two very important Tas Tepeler sites in the area which we will visit if they are open to the public.

We have arranged a specifially timed sunset visit to Nemrut Dagi (Nimrod’s Mountain), but on the way stop at Karakus Timulus and Cendere Bridge. Cendere Bridge is one of the world’s oldest bridges still to be in use, constructed during the empire of Septimus Severus. Composed of 92 stones, each weighing around 10 tons, it is thought to be the second largest Roman bridge still in existence, spanning an impressive 122 metres. The bridge today appears as a simple, unadorned arch, but was originally decorated by four Corinthian columns dedicated to Septimus Severus and his wife. Mount Nemrut is the site of the original Tower of Babel and Mountain of God of biblical tradition. Gaze out over the terrestrial Paradise as enjoyed by the biblical patriarchs of the book of Genesis that is the perfect place to experience a sunrise or sunset. One of East Turkey’s most spell-binding attractions at the peak of this mountain (at over 2000m) sit enigmatic statues of a pre-Roman king, Antiochus I Theos of Commagene, and the various gods he believed to be his ancestors. The views from the summit are sublime. (NOTE it is a 20-30 minute walk up steps to reach the summit).

Explore Lake Van and visit Akdamar Island, where can be found the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. Marvel at its images of Adam and Eve, which speak of the region’s memory as the true Garden of Eden now drowned beneath its waters according to local tradition. See also the Mheri-Dur, ("Gate of Mehr"), a huge rock-cut mountain gateway overlooking Lake Van. Carved by the region’s Urartian civilization, it was once said to be the gateway to the otherworld. See its rock-cut inscription, which mentions as many as 79 deities from Assyria, Urartu, Persia, and even from the Vedic religion of India.

Visit Cavustepe which houses some remarkable precision stonework, of similar style and quality to Puma Punku in Bolivia.

We will explore Tushpa, otherwise known as the Fortress of Van on the Rock of Van, the capital of the Urartian civilization between 900 BCE and 600 BCE. Explore also Tushpa’s 7000-year-old occupation mound. Continue the journey to Mount Ararat, long believed by Christians to be where Noah came to rest on the Ark following the Great Flood. See the various historical monuments associated with this ancient tradition, including a controversial location said to be exactly where the Ark landed.

PLEASE NOTE THE ABOVE ITINERARY WILL NOT BE IN THIS ORDER. Email us for a detailed up-to-date schedule.

Price includes
- All transportation on luxury coaches
- Two Domestic flights within Turkey
- Quality 4-Star, 5-Star and boutique Hotels
- English-speaking guides
- Entrances to sites and museums
- All VAT and local taxes
- All Breakfasts and Lunches, with most Dinners
Price does not include
- Visas
- Tips and items of personal nature
- Any meals or activities not included in the programme
- International Flights

Feedback from 'Origins of Civilization' Turkey Tour 2013 with guest host Graham Hancock

"It was a great trip"- Graham and Santha Hancock, UK
"It was a fabulous journey with the best of company!" - Anu Nagappa, India
"What a fabulous trip - one which we will be integrating into our minds for some time."
- Terry Fitzsimmons, USA
"Thanks for a great Megalithomaniac Tour! The whole group gelled together with a great positive energy in this wonderful adventure."
- Robert David, USA
"Had a great though exhausting time on the tour. It was wonderful to meet Graham and Santha and hear his lectures, also to have the opportunity to share Andrew's passion for and knowledge of so much of interest to me. Others on the tour were very interesting and such good company - it's so good to travel with like-minded souls. So impressed with Arda' efficiency and patience!! It was all really well organised and I'm sure everyone enjoyed it all." - Christine Levy, Australia

Feedback from 'Gobekli Tepe Mini-Tour' in September 2015

"Pat and I loved the Tour. We've never done anything like that before."
- Harold White, USA
"Thank you Hugh and Andrew for a fabulous tour. The thing i liked best was the quality time we got at Gobeki Tepe and with each of you sharing your extensive knowledge. It warmed my heart to see how utterly enthralled Andrew is with Gobekli Tepe e as if he had lived there in a prior life and was coming home. It is one thing to enjoy and appreciate a historical site, but Andrew is in rapture. And his enthusiasm enhanced my appreciation too. My sister and I look forward to another tour with your team."
- Colleen McGuire, USA
"Fantastic trip! Well organized with great guides and an fun group."
- Bob Patterson, USA
"Many thanks to You and Andrew for a great trip."
- Anthony Deleo, USA

Conditions

1) All Paypal fees and international bank costs must be taken care of by the buyer. These will be added on final payment. We cannot take on these costs as we are keeping the prices right down to create an affordable tour.
2) Megalithomania cannot refund from 60 days before start of tour if you cancel.
3) Megalithomania will refund 50% if you cancel up until 60 days prior to the tour (this does not include deposit).
4) Megalithomania cannot refund deposits up to three months (90 days) prior to tour. Before that we can refund only 50% deposit if you cancel.
5) Megalithomania cannot be held responsible for any injury, accident or stolen goods - please get travel insurance and relevant visas before booking this tour and have a passport with at least 3 months past the end date of the tour.
6) Full payment and passport details must be received by June 1st 2023
7) Roommates: We are happy to try to and match our guests with a suitable roommate for those who are traveling alone. If we are unable to do this, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. Early registration will facilitate this process.
8) Please hold off booking your international flights, until the tour is confirmed in writing via email. We cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred. Please email for further details - info@megalithomania.co.uk
9) Itinerary may be subject to change if circumstances arise beyond reasonable control.
10) Megalithomania accepts no responsibility for losses or incidental expenses due to delay or change in schedules, hotel booking irregularities, defaults, accidents, sickness, quarantine, emergency, weather, strikes, war, travel restrictions, pandemics, or other causes. All such losses are the sole responsibility of the participants. Please make sure you have travel insurance to cover all this.
11) Force Majeure: Megalithomania LTD is not accountable; nor legally responsible, will not pay you any reimbursement if our obligations have been affected by any unforeseen circumstances that we are not able to avoid. Hereunder; we will list examples but not limited items of the force majeure cases: War, threat of war, terrorist activities, virus outbreaks, quarantine, pandemics, civil discord with its consequences or the risk of such activity, riot, airport closure, natural or atomic disasters, fire, chemical or biological disasters and adverse weather, sea, ice and river conditions, and/or similar occasions.