The Semantics and Function of Stele in Ancient Near Eastern Architecture: From Neolithic Man to the Epics of Gilgamesh and Jacob

The study explores the phenomenon of stela erection in the cult architecture of the Near East (Levant, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Elam). Special emphasis is placed on the meanings of stelae, which held sacred significance for ancient cultures. The goal of the research is to identify the key functions and meanings associated with the typological unit of the stela (stele) in Near Eastern architecture. The relevance of this research is driven by the growing interdisciplinary discourse on the subject among domestic researchers (N. Ya. Merpet, E. V. Antonova, A. B. Zubov, T. V. Kornienko, V. V. Emelianov) and international scholars (J. Mellaart, K. Schmidt). The study relies on an architectural-ontological approach, analyzing architectural sites (Göbekli Tepe, Nevali Çori) to identify typological and compositional features, as well as examining sacred texts (such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Bible) to uncover the semantic fields of their meanings. The novelty of this research lies in identifying the architectural and ontological roles that stelae played in ancient regional architecture. The findings outline fundamental semantic meanings and functions characteristic of this typological element within the architectural traditions of the Near East. These conclusions are applicable across various disciplines, including history, philosophy, cultural studies, religious studies, art history, architecture, archaeology, and other fields.

stelae (steles, pillars), architecture of the Near East (Middle East), Fertile Crescent, Neolithic, Gobekli Tepe (Göbekli Tepe), Nevali Cori (Nevali Çori), Epic of Gilgamesh, category ME, Bible, Tower of Babel