Karahan Tepe: 12,000-year-old ruins destroyed during drilling. Karahan Tepe is a sister site to Gobekli Tepe located nearby Initial groundwork for a massive roof was underway in March 2025 At least 11 holes were drilled 18-20 feet (6 meters) deep to house steel beams
At Karahan Tepe, a sister site to Gobekli Tepe, drilling began in March 2025 for a massive roof structure. At least 11 holes were drilled 6 meters deep for steel beams, and unexcavated T-pillars were found emerging right next to these holes. Priceless 12,000-year-old stone relics were reportedly damaged or destroyed during the drilling. Security guards instructed visitors not to photograph the destruction. This may be one of the greatest archaeological losses in modern times.
Key Facts
- Karahan Tepe is a sister site to Gobekli Tepe located nearby
- Initial groundwork for a massive roof was underway in March 2025
- At least 11 holes were drilled 18-20 feet (6 meters) deep to house steel beams
- Unexcavated T-pillars were found emerging from the ground next to these holes
- 12,000-year-old priceless stone relics were damaged or destroyed during the drilling process
- Security personnel instructed visitors not to take photos of the holes
- A state-of-the-art visitor center is under construction
Related site: Karahan Tepe — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: I Snuck into Gobekli Tepe…What I Saw Was Shocking by Bright Insight