Yesemek Archaeological Site
Yesemek Archaeological Site
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Yesemek Archaeological Site
Yesemek Archaeological Site
This is not a city;
it is an open-air workshop where stone was shaped, and gods, lions, and warriors were born.
The Yesemek Archaeological Site, located in İslahiye District of Gaziantep, is recognized as the largest known stone sculpture production center of the ancient Near East.
Colossal lion statues, chariot reliefs, temple guardians, and divine figures still stand in place — as if waiting, even after millennia, to be completed.
Founded in the 9th century BCE during the Late Hittite Kingdom, Yesemek flourished under the rule of the Sam’al (Zincirli) Kingdom.
Nearly 300 sculptures have been unearthed here, reflecting not only artistic vision but also the technical mastery of the period.
The sculptures were carved and shaped on-site, then transported to surrounding cities.
Yesemek is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
As you walk deeper into the workshop, approach the unfinished sculptures in silence.
Those stones hold more than traces of time — they embody craftsmanship, faith, and patience.
After your visit, stop by İslahiye town center and savor local flavors to complete your cultural journey with taste.
This is not a city;
it is an open-air workshop where stone was shaped, and gods, lions, and warriors were born.
The Yesemek Archaeological Site, located in İslahiye District of Gaziantep, is recognized as the largest known stone sculpture production center of the ancient Near East.
Colossal lion statues, chariot reliefs, temple guardians, and divine figures still stand in place — as if waiting, even after millennia, to be completed.
Founded in the 9th century BCE during the Late Hittite Kingdom, Yesemek flourished under the rule of the Sam’al (Zincirli) Kingdom.
Nearly 300 sculptures have been unearthed here, reflecting not only artistic vision but also the technical mastery of the period.
The sculptures were carved and shaped on-site, then transported to surrounding cities.
Yesemek is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
As you walk deeper into the workshop, approach the unfinished sculptures in silence.
Those stones hold more than traces of time — they embody craftsmanship, faith, and patience.
After your visit, stop by İslahiye town center and savor local flavors to complete your cultural journey with taste.
You can reach İslahiye from the Gaziantep Bus Terminal by intercity buses.
From İslahiye, you can continue to Yesemek by shuttle service or taxi.
There are minibuses and private shared taxis operating from İslahiye town center towards Yesemek.
Directional signs along the road will guide you to the site.
You can reach the site from Gaziantep city center in about 1.5 hours by taxi.
For visitors arriving by private car, there is a parking area available at the archaeological site.
The Yesemek Archaeological Site is located near Yesemek Village, within the İslahiye District of Gaziantep Province.
Simply enter “Yesemek Open-Air Museum” into your navigation app.
With its natural surroundings, historical atmosphere, and unique sculpture groups, it is one of the most remarkable open-air destinations in Anatolia.
District: İslahiye / Gaziantep
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