Karahan Tepe excavation: 2019 uncovering reveals 75ft enclosures and carved bedrock structures. Located 20-25 miles southeast of Göbekli Tepe in the Tek Tek mountains Excavation began in late 2019 Bahattin Çelik of Harran University first investigated the site in 1997

Karahan Tepe, located 20-25 miles from Göbekli Tepe, was first investigated by Bahattin Çelik of Harran University in 1997, with major excavation beginning in late 2019. The site features 15 enclosures, including a massive 75 ft main structure. Dating to around 9,400 BC, its T-shaped pillars and statues were deliberately smashed before burial.

Key Facts

  • Located 20-25 miles southeast of Göbekli Tepe in the Tek Tek mountains
  • Excavation began in late 2019
  • Bahattin Çelik of Harran University first investigated the site in 1997
  • 15 enclosures have been found at the site
  • Main enclosure is 75 ft wide, larger than anything at Göbekli Tepe
  • Structure AB (pillar shrine) has 10 pillars carved from bedrock, about 18 ft wide
  • Carved stone head is three to four times the size of a human head
  • Site was deliberately buried at end of use, similar to Göbekli Tepe
  • Dating is approximately 9,400 BC
  • Approximately 10% of Karahan Tepe has been uncovered
  • T-shaped pillars and statues were deliberately smashed before burial