Güllük: Archaeological Sites and Historical Heritage

Güllük is shaped by several archaeological sites and historical records: the two Avcı-Tepe tumuli, the Tepe-Üstü settlement, and the Eli Büyük Tomb. These names represent different kinds of evidence: registered archaeological sites, a settlement with pottery finds, and a tomb with a recorded inscription. Together, they give a stay in Güllük a distinct cultural and historical focus. When finding your way around, it is worth considering the sites individually and distinguishing their respective dimensions and histories.

Archaeological Sites in Güllük

Avcı-Tepe Tumulus A and Avcı-Tepe Tumulus B are both registered in Güllük as first-degree archaeological sites. The official decision dates to July 23, 2025. Both have the same registration status; the designations A and B distinguish the named sites.

Their dimensions also help distinguish the tumuli. Tumulus A is about 30 meters in diameter, while Tumulus B is about 35 meters in diameter. These approximate figures indicate a difference in size of around five meters. Avcı-Tepe Tumulus A is also about 150 meters west of the Güllük–Yassıhöyük village road. This road-related location applies to A and adds a landmark to the size comparison.

The Tepe-Üstü settlement in Güllük is about 50 meters in diameter. Based on this approximate figure, its diameter is around 15 meters greater than that of Tumulus B and around 20 meters greater than that of Tumulus A. Pottery sherds believed to date from the Iron Age have been found at the settlement. At Tepe-Üstü, therefore, a measurement and finds with a probable date attribution are presented together.

The Eli Büyük Tomb and Regional Context

The Eli Büyük Tomb is located within the village of Güllük. Its gravestone records that Şah Hüseyinoğlu and Ali Ekber died there as martyrs in the 4th century. The inscription connects the tomb with a religious and historical tradition; the date refers to the reported event. Thus, Güllük’s cultural and historical profile includes not only settlement traces but also a tomb located in the village and its associated tradition.

The wider Yozgat destination also offers natural and cultural attractions. Yozgat Çamlığı National Park was designated Turkey’s first national park in 1958 and covers 266.9 hectares. The Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana) is considered its most important natural asset. Another cultural and historical landmark in Yozgat Province is Basilica Therma, in the Kaplıca neighborhood of the Sarıkaya district. Basilica Therma was built in the 2nd century AD during the Roman period over the thermal spring known as Aquae Sarvenae. Basilica Therma is therefore part of the wider Yozgat context, not Güllük.

Discover more destinations: Boğazlıyan, Sarıkaya, Alışar Höyük, Fakıbeyli, Sorgun, Yozgat, Özükavak

Go to the wider travel overview: Yozgat.