Deliberate Closure of Constructed Spaces: An Anthropological Analysis of Backfilling and Sealing in the Ravne Tunnel System (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Göbekli Tepe (Turkey)

Subterranean tunnel systems in Europe and the Near East often show evidence of post-construction modifications, such as blockage or infilling, suggesting deliberate closure phases rather than natural processes. The Ravne tunnel complex in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its 85 documented dry-stone walls and stratified backfill deposits, provides a clear example of systematic human intervention. Comparative analysis with sites like Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (Malta) reveals similar patterns across different geological settings. Radiometric dating of speleothem formations and organic materials further supports the interpretation of organized closure events spanning from the Neolithic to historical periods. This study underscores the importance of recognizing closure phases in understanding subterranean architecture, challenging conventional assumptions about underground system use.

Osmanagich, Dr. S. (2026). Deliberate Closure of Constructed Spaces: An Anthropological Analysis of Backfilling and Sealing in the Ravne Tunnel System (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Göbekli Tepe (Turkey). Global Journal of Human-Social Science. https://doi.org/10.34257/gjhssd257126