Archaeologists have discovered a rare human statue estimated to be 12,000 years old at the prehistoric site of Göbekli Tepe, located in southeastern Turkey.

Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, announced the find, highlighting its potential to reveal deeper insights into the spiritual life and ceremonial practices of Neolithic societies. The statue was found embedded horizontally into the wall of an ancient structure — likely as part of a ritual offering.

The artifact was uncovered during restoration work between structures labeled B and D. The statue's head and torso are intact, but its feet are missing. Experts suggest this could be the result of intentional modification or natural degradation over millennia, according to Anadolu Agency.

Göbekli Tepe predates Stonehenge by 6,000 years and is 7,000 years older than the Egyptian pyramids. Researchers estimate it was constructed between 9600 and 8200 BCE.

Since 2018, the site has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features circular enclosures with massive T-shaped pillars standing up to 6 meters tall and weighing up to 10 tons. These megaliths are adorned with intricate carvings of animals and abstract symbols. Recent findings suggest that early human communities may have possessed advanced astronomical and architectural knowledge.