Cosmological Aspects of the Stelae of Göbekli Tepe and Their Parallels with the Religious Symbolism of the Trypillia Culture

Abstract

This article explores the cosmological aspects of the stelae of the Göbekli Tepe temple complex (Turkey) and their parallels with the religious symbolism of the Trypillia culture (Ukraine). Based on a detailed iconographic and archaeological analysis of the materials, common archetypes of religious consciousness expressed in material forms are identified.

It is established that the architectural organization of the Göbekli Tepe temple complex correlates with the iconographic program of its stone stelae, forming a unified system of sacred signs. Deep parallels are found between the symbolic systems of Göbekli Tepe and the Trypillia culture, manifesting in the shared use of basic cosmological symbols, similarities in architectural principles for organizing sacred space, unity in approaches to depicting calendar and time-related aspects, and resemblances in animal symbolism within complex contexts.

Special attention is given to the study of the calendar system of Göbekli Tepe as one of the earliest attempts to structure the annual cycle. The evolution of this system and its influence on later calendar traditions, including the Trypillia culture, are traced. It is established that the identified parallels pertain not to isolated symbols, but to holistic semantic complexes, which include architectural principles, calendar-astronomical observations, numerical symbolism, and specific geometric forms.

The study confirms the existence of a common religious language of symbols and structures in the ancient agricultural cultures of the Near East and Southeastern Europe, manifested in specific material forms. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that a similar system of religious beliefs existed in early agricultural societies, which was likely transmitted and developed parallel to the evolution of agricultural traditions.

This study opens new perspectives for understanding the processes of cultural interaction and the evolution of religious consciousness in early agricultural societies. The article suggests directions for further research on religious manifestations in the prehistoric period of the Near East and Europe, emphasizing the potential for comprehensive comparative studies of recently discovered sacred complexes in Turkey, Jordan, Syria, and Ukraine. These studies may further illuminate the spread of shared religious concepts alongside agricultural practices from the Fertile Crescent to Europe.

Moreover, the research examines the relevance of ancient cosmological knowledge in addressing contemporary challenges. Thus, the cosmological heritage of early agricultural societies emerges not only as an object of historical interest but also as a valuable resource for tackling the spiritual and environmental challenges of the 21st century.