The Yesemek Quarry and Sculpture Workshop Situated in the village of Yesemek, on the western slope of Aslanlıtepe (Karatepe), the Yesemek Quarry and Sculpture Workshop extends over an area roughly 400 meters long and 20 meters wide. It begins at a water channel that climbs up to 90 meters above the Yesemek stream. Located approximately 110 kilometers from Gaziantep, the Yesemek National Park has been included in UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites for Turkey since 2012. This remarkable national park offers visitors the chance to explore a collection of impressive sculptures and reliefs that showcase the artistic and cultural legacy of ancient civilizations. The Yesemek Sculpture Workshop dates to the Late Hittite States era, approximately between 900 and 800 B.C., based on archaeological discoveries. It is thought that sculpting activities may have continued into the time of the Samal Kingdom. However, following the kingdom’s fall due to an Assyrian invasion, the craftsmen abandoned the area, and the site was later rediscovered as a modern-day historical attraction. The difficulty involved in transporting large stone blocks from the quarry highlights the technological advancement and artistic expertise of the era. Furthermore, the site illustrates a significant example of intercultural interaction and exchange of artistic traditions. Recognized as the largest ancient sculpture workshop in Anatolia, the Yesemek Sculpture Workshop holds an important place in the inventory of cultural heritage. Hundreds of sculptures, deity reliefs, and over 300 stone fragments have survived in nearly original form. These artifacts not only reveal the craftsmanship of their makers but also serve as a reflection of the spiritual and religious values of the period. If you have any questions or inquiries regarding The Yesemek Quarry and Sculpture Workshop, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or simply message us via Whatsapp, and we will respond as soon as possible.