Students learn age-old masonry techniques


Referred to as the oldest temple complex in the world, Göbeklitepe has been included in the Gelecek Turizmde Projesi (The Future is in Tourism Project) supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the U.N. Development Program and Anadolu Efes. As part of the project, 15 students from Harran University have begun to take stonemasonry courses. With contributions by the Şanlıurfa Governorship and the Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the courses intend to keep this craft whose history goes back 12,000 years, alive, transfer it to future generations and make contribution to the regional economy. The project is attempting to pave the way for new employment opportunities and also support the tourism industry. The archeological site was included on the temporary list of UNESCO World Heritage in 2011.