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Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site located in southeastern Turkey, near the city of Şanlıurfa. It is considered one of the world's oldest and most significant archaeological sites. The site dates back to the Neolithic era, approximately 9600-8200 BCE, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.

It’s a place that has completely revolutionized our understanding of human history.

The site is estimated to be over 12,000 years old, which means it predates the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge by thousands of years. It is a complex of massive stone pillars, intricately carved with animals and symbols.

What’s fascinating about Gobekli Tepe is that it challenges our assumptions about the development of civilization.

It shows that even in the ancient past, humans were capable of complex social organization and sophisticated religious practices.

And it reminds us that our connection to the divine and our search for meaning is as old as humanity itself.

So why am I talking about an ancient archaeological site in the context of Ramadan?

Well, it’s because Ramadan is a time for us to reflect on our connection to the primordial and fitra within us. It’s a time to reconnect with our innate human nature, our natural disposition toward the divine, spirituality, goodness and compassion.

Just as the people have maintained their connection to their ancient practices and left behind their monumental structures as a testament to their spirituality, we too have the opportunity during Ramadan to tap into that ancient wisdom and reconnect with our fitra.

Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink.

It’s about going beyond the physical and nourishing our souls.

It’s about diving deep into the Quran, the timeless scripture that guides us towards the truth. It’s about reflecting on the stories of the prophets, particularly the story of Ibrahim, whose unwavering faith and willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of truth serves as a powerful example for us.

In this age of sicknesses, where mental health crises and a lack of happiness seem to plague our society, the message of the Quran becomes even more relevant. It calls us to step out of our comfort zones, to question the established norms and narratives, and to strive for a better, more compassionate world.

Just as the followers of truth have always been outcasts and unconventional, we too may find ourselves at odds with the establishments of our time. But that is the abrahamic way, the path of generosity, inclusivity, and forgiveness. It is the path of being a troublemaker for the sake of truth, of striving for a more spiritual world.

During Ramadan, as we engage with the Quran, let us also remember that fasting is not just a religious obligation but a practice deeply rooted in our primordial nature. It is a reminder that we are distinct from other species, that we can choose to hold back, to step back from our desires and impulses.

And as we reflect on our connection to the primordial, let us not forget the remarkable archaeological discoveries that shed light on the ancientness of our species. Sites like Göbekli Tepe remind us that our human story is far older and more complex than we can imagine. It reminds us that our spirituality and connection to the divine transcend time and space.

Embrace this journey and get Ramadan ready.

May the blessings of this holy month bring peace, happiness, and fulfillment to all of us.

Ramadan Mubarak!