A recent archaeological discovery in Türkiye has revealed how humans may have viewed themselves around 12,000 years ago.
At an ancient site called Karahantepe, near the city of Şanlıurfa in southeastern Türkiye, archaeologists have uncovered a stone carving shaped like a human face. The carving shows clearly defined eyes, a small nose, and lips, making it one of the earliest known representations of a human face.
Karahantepe is considered one of the oldest human settlements in the world. It dates back to the Neolithic period, when humans began living in permanent communities about 12,000 years ago.
The Neolithic Age, also known as the New Stone Age, marks a major turning point in human history. During this time, people learned farming, animal domestication, and began forming organized societies. Importantly, this period existed before the invention of writing.
Artistic Beauty and Complexity
Experts say this discovery is special because it represents a realistic human face, not just a symbolic shape.
Project director Professor Necmi Karul described the moment as extraordinary, saying this was the first time archaeologists found a carving that clearly looked like an actual human face rather than an abstract symbol.
British archaeologist Dr. Ceren Kabakoğlu from the University of Liverpool called the discovery an example of advanced artistic skill and complexity, showing that early humans were far more creative and thoughtful than previously believed.
As researchers continue excavations, they are realizing that ancient societies were much more complex than modern assumptions suggest.
Not a God, But an Idea
According to Professor Karul, the face should not be seen as a depiction of a god or supernatural being. Instead, it likely represents an idea, concept, or human identity.
He explained that early Neolithic art mostly focused on animals, but over time, human figures began to appear—first alongside animals and later on their own. This change suggests that humans slowly began to see themselves as central to the world around them.
Dr. Kabakoğlu also noted that the carving shows a sense of emotion and mood, giving the face a familiar and relatable quality.
A Familiar Face Across Regions
Excavations at Karahantepe began in 2019. Interestingly, a similar human-face stone was discovered earlier in 2017 at another ancient site in the Golan Heights.
Professor Natalie Munro from the University of Connecticut said that when researchers saw the Karahantepe carving, it immediately felt familiar. The shape and structure closely resembled the earlier discovery, even though the sites are far apart.
Experts say this similarity is remarkable and suggests shared ideas and cultural connections among early human communities.
Shared Human History
During the early Neolithic period, cultural development spread rapidly across the Middle East. While different regions developed their own identities, they were still aware of one another.
Professor Karul described Şanlıurfa as one of the most impressive centers of early human civilization, filled with human-like symbols that reflect early thought and belief systems.
In addition to the stone face, archaeologists have also found T-shaped stone pillars at Karahantepe. These pillars were likely used to support roofs of public buildings, homes, and ceremonial structures. The excavation area covers more than 140,000 square meters and lies within a national park.
More Than a National Treasure
Experts believe this discovery is not only important for Türkiye but for all of humanity.
Professor Karul emphasized that this project goes beyond Anatolia. It represents a shared human history, helping us understand where we came from and how early humans began to see themselves.
This 12,000-year-old face stands as a powerful reminder that human creativity, identity, and expression began far earlier than we once imagined.