Deep within the Şanlıurfa Province of Turkey, approximately 20 miles from the renowned Göbekli Tepe, lies Karhan Tepe – an archeological site that is revolutionizing our understanding of history. In recent archeological explorations, Karahan Tepe has been unveiled as a tremendous archaeological site with more than 250 elaborately crafted stone obelisks. These architectural masterpieces feature various symbols of animals and other creatures that show close similarity to those found in Göbekli Tepe. For this reason, experts have dubbed Karahan Tepe the sister site of Göbekli Tepe due to its proximity and shared designs.
Karahan and Göbekli Tepe are truly a phenomena of the world, both as engineering achievements and for their dating to 12,500 years ago. This has been verified against current historical records which suggest that no advanced civilizations were supposed to exist at this time – yet Karahan and Göbekli Tepe stand firm in defying all odds. These sites provide compelling evidence that our understanding of history may not be what we think it is.
Karahan Tepe, a supersite
Since its discovery in 1997, Karahan Tepe has captivated archaeologists for its grandeur. Spanning 15 hectares with accompanying quarries from where the colossal stones were pulled out, this super site is astounding and has been thoroughly examined through various recent excavations that have unveiled remarkable findings about it. Home to countless enigmatic constructions, more than 250 obelisks, and various animal sculptures with peculiar inscriptions, the site is likely connected to Göbekli Tepe and must have been of immense importance. Archaeologists unearthed arrowheads, blades, and instruments made from obsidian and flint pieces, but no evidence of localized farming was found there.
Göbekli and Karahan Tepe
Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, both of which are believed to have been constructed around 12,000-12,500 years ago, share a number of similarities. Perhaps the most prominent is their t-shaped pillars adorned with diverse symbols such as snakes, insects and birds as well as humanoid shapes. While Göbekli does not include huts or other dwellings indicative of permanent habitation, its counterpart in Karahan features circular homes that suggest year-round occupation by its inhabitants. As experts have pointed out, these dwellings are part of a wider complex that was likely created for religious purposes. In the bedrock were carved an array of ceremonial structures, but this does not mean people lived there permanently.
The etchings of Göbekli Tepe are plentiful, yet those found at the mysterious Karahan Tepe appear to be even more profound. While the symbolism within these carvings remains a riddle to experts, there is speculation that they may signify a link between humans and animals from this era. Much like its predecessor Göbekli Tepe, Karahan was also intentionally concealed for centuries – an enigma until now.
During his Netflix series, Graham Hancock found the site a little creepy.
History Changer
Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe are of immense significance, not just because they demonstrate the existence of sophisticated societies approximately 12,000 years ago – something we have yet to discover in any other region. Both sites were clearly ahead of their time with large-scale structures that exceeded writing, agriculture and even some early cities. Nonetheless, what is most extraordinary about these places is that someone intentionally buried them long before our era.
It isn’t easy to comprehend why our ancestors would have gone to such lengths to cover up these sites. Yet, the mystery of their disappearance has only further deepened the allure of Göbekli and Karahan Tepe.
