A Turkish-Japanese team began excavating Ayanlar Höyüçk in late 2025, originally reported in 1997 by Bahattin Çelik, who also discovered Karahan Tepe. A T-shaped pillar with carved hands sits about 300 meters from the main site, featuring drilled holes like Göbekli Tepe's pillars. Described as larger than Göbekli Tepe itself, with cut marks suggesting pre-pottery Neolithic origins. ✋
Turkish-Japanese excavation begins at Ayanlar Höyük, reported larger than Göbekli Tepe
Key facts
- A Turkish-Japanese team began excavating Ayanlar Höyük in late 2025, one of the 12 Taş Tepeler sites
- Site was originally reported in 1997 by local archaeologist Bahattin Çelik, who also discovered Karahan Tepe
- A T-shaped pillar with carved hands was documented in a field approximately 300 meters from the main site, featuring drilled holes similar to Göbekli Tepe pillars
- Cut marks on stones suggest pre-pottery Neolithic origin dating to the end of the last ice age
- Site is described as larger than Göbekli Tepe, located in a lower-lying area with multiple tells near water sources
- Other artifacts found include a porthole stone fragment, a serpentine water channel, and reused stones in village buildings
Site mentioned
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