Hot air balloon tours have officially launched over the famed ancient site of Gobeklitepe in southeastern Türkiye, offering visitors a breathtaking aerial view of the Neolithic settlement hailed as "history’s ground zero,” according to Anadolu Agency.
Located in Sanliurfa, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gobeklitepe has been drawing record numbers of visitors in recent years, after its stunning find of what may be the world’s oldest temple made headlines worldwide. The introduction of hot air balloon tours marks a significant expansion of tourism offerings in the area, providing both local and international visitors a unique perspective on this archaeological marvel.
The balloon flights, which take off at sunrise, not only showcase Gobeklitepe's elaborate stone structures but also offer panoramic views of the surrounding Harran Plain. This new attraction aims to boost tourism by increasing both visitor numbers and the duration of stays in the region.
The famed ancient site was discovered in 1963 by researchers from Istanbul and Chicago universities