"Dünyanın Göbeği" (The Belly/Center of the World) topic can be explored through three main lenses: as a , a geographical claim , or a cultural/literary concept . 1. The Historical Perspective: Göbeklitepe
The name itself translates to "Belly Hill" due to its topographical shape. Arkeologically, it represents the "zero point in history," marking the transition of humans from hunter-gatherers to organized religious communities.
This claim is rooted in a famous joke by Nasreddin Hodja . When asked where the center of the world was, he pointed his staff to the spot where his donkey stood and said, "It is right here; if you don't believe me, measure it." 3. Literary & Media References
Dated to approximately 10,000 BCE, it is recognized as the world's oldest known temple.
In recent years, the title "Dünyanın Göbeği" has become synonymous with in Şanlıurfa, Turkey.