Cultural heritage from the local to the universal in social studies teaching: A qualitative study on the case of Göbeklitepe

Abstract

This study examines the place of Göbeklitepe in social studies education as a cultural heritage site that brings together local identity and universal heritage. The research was conducted using a basic qualitative design with 25 social studies teachers working in public middle schools in Malatya and Şanlıurfa during the 2025–2026 academic year. Maximum variation sampling was used to include teachers with different professional backgrounds, work locations, experiences of visiting Göbeklitepe, and experiences of teaching about the site. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that teachers associated local cultural heritage with continuity, belonging, social memory, educational value, and universal significance. They regarded Göbeklitepe both as an important part of the cultural identity of its region and as a heritage site with meaning for humanity as a whole. Teachers also stated that using Göbeklitepe in social studies lessons could support students’ historical consciousness, cultural identity, sense of belonging, and awareness of heritage protection. Although students were generally described as curious about Göbeklitepe, teachers believed that their knowledge was often limited and superficial. Participants also considered the coverage of Göbeklitepe and similar local heritage elements in the curriculum and textbooks insufficient. They especially emphasized the need for richer visuals, more activities, and stronger links with students’ everyday lives. Suggested practices included field trips, projects, drama, virtual tours, documentaries, museum activities, and ready-to-use teaching materials. The study shows that Göbeklitepe can provide a meaningful context for connecting local heritage with the wider human past in social studies education through active, experience-based, and context-sensitive learning opportunities.