Yılmaz, Ekin EnverYılmaz, Emine AylinButler, RichardPerna, FernandoFerreira Custódio, Maria João2026-02-192026-02-192026-01-141303-2917http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/28184Göbeklitepe, built around 12,000 years ago and recognized as the world’s earliest monumental ritual centre, has the potential to reshape debates on the origins of tourism. Challenging the mainstream view that situates tourism solely in modern times, this study examines whether activities at Göbeklitepe align with the four fundamental principles of tourism – temporary stay, motivation, economic exchange, and socio-cultural interaction. A systematic literature review was conducted, synthesizing 68 studies and comparing archaeological findings with tourism theory. Results indicate that faith-based motivations, periodic gatherings, and temporary visits created economic and socio-cultural dynamics resembling tourism practices, suggesting Göbeklitepe may be interpreted as a form of proto-tourism destination.engProto-tourismTourism originsSystematic literature reviewInterdisciplinary researchGöbeklitepejournal article10.1080/13032917.2026.26146732156-6909