A 12,000-year-old mysterious statue: the oldest depiction of a human face!

A 12,000-year-old mysterious statue: the oldest depiction of a human face!

Archaeologists in Turkey’s Şanlıurfa province have discovered a 12,000-year-old statue during excavations at Karahantepe. Researchers identified a human face carved into a T-shaped stone pillar — the first find of its kind.

With its deep-set eyes and expressive features, the sculpture takes us back to the ancient Neolithic era. Experts believe this discovery shows that people of that time were not only builders but also possessed self-awareness and creative thinking.

Karahantepe is closely linked to Göbekli Tepe, one of the oldest known temples in human history.