Lecture
NEOLITHIC SECRETS CARVED IN STONE
Göbekli Tepe, Karahantepe, and the Stone Mounds
by ŞERİF YENEN
Acclaimed tour guide, writer, speaker, and filmmaker
Welcome to a journey back nearly 12,000 years, to a time when humanity first began leaving lasting imprints on stone. Sites like Göbekli Tepe and Karahantepe do more than expand our knowledge of prehistory—they challenge everything we thought we knew about the origins of civilization. These monumental enclosures, carved and arranged by hunter-gatherers long before the dawn of agriculture, reveal a sophistication in art, ritual, and social organization far beyond earlier assumptions.
In this presentation, Şerif Yenen will take us to a journey to explore how the discoveries in southeastern Türkiye shed new light on the earliest chapters of human history. From intricately carved pillars and symbolic animal reliefs to the mystery of why these structures were deliberately buried, Göbekli Tepe, Karahantepe, and the surrounding stone mounds invite us to reconsider the roots of belief, community, and creativity. Together, they stand as silent witnesses to a forgotten world—one that continues to reshape our understanding of what it means to be human.
ŞERİF YENEN
Şerif Yenen is a highly acclaimed tour guide, travel agent, guidebook writer, international speaker-lecturer, instructor and travel destinations consultant. As a trailblazer in the Turkish travel industry, he authored the renowned book “Turkish Odyssey” in English in addition to numerous other guidebooks. His articles and columns have been published in international magazines and national newspapers.
He has also made a mark as a producer, director, and writer of the acclaimed travel documentary “Istanbul Unveiled”, which has received eight international awards.
A distinguished Smithsonian lecturer, has delivered numerous captivating presentations at the Smithsonian Institution. His areas of expertise include the ancient civilizations of Anatolia, Turkish history, culture, and travel.
Over the years, he provided guiding services to dignitaries and celebrities including Pope Benedict XVI, Oprah Winfrey, Dr. George Friedman, Matt Lauer, Lester Holt, and many others.
Continuing his passion for providing signature tours with a focus on culture, history, and culinary experiences, Serif also holds a membership in Chaine des Rotisseurs, showcasing his passion for food.
In addition to his exceptional work in the travel industry, Serif actively shares his knowledge and experiences through his vibrant YouTube channel, which features captivating videos on various interesting topics: youtube.com/SerifYenen
Through his diverse range of talents and accomplishments, Serif continues to share his deep-rooted passion for Türkiye’s culture, history, and travel experiences with a global audience, leaving a lasting impact in the realm of travel literature and media.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2025 | 2:00 pm
Goethe-Institut Boston
170 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02116
