Wednesday, October 15 2025

Tag: Karahantepe

Archaeologists have uncovered a T-shaped pillar carved with a human face at the Neolithic site of Karahantepe in southeastern Türkiye — a discovery described as a first in human history. The finding was announced by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy on his official X (Twitter) account, where he wrote: “Karahantepe — A first in history! Within the scope of our Taş Tepeler Project, a T-shaped pillar with a human face has been unearthed for the first time.” The discovery forms part of the Taş Tepeler (Stone Hills) Project, a long-term archaeological initiative led by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which explores the earliest stages of human settlement and symbolic expression in the Şanlıurfa region. A Turning Point in Neolithic Symbolism For decades, the T-shaped pillars of Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe have been interpreted as stylized human figures, primarily due to the carved arms and hands visible on many examples. Yet, this new pillar — the first to bear a carved human face — marks a major leap in understanding how early Neolithic societies perceived themselves. The pillar’s face, featuring deep-set eyes, a pronounced nose, and sharp contours, resembles other human sculptures from Karahantepe. Experts say the find reflects not only the craftsmanship of early Anatolian communities but also their emerging capacity for abstract and self-referential thought. From Symbol to Identity Until now, these T-shaped monoliths were thought to serve either as structural elements or abstract human representations. The new find, however, provides the first direct depiction of the human visage, offering a rare glimpse into the earliest stages of self-image in human history. Karahantepe and the Taş Tepeler Network Dating back approximately 12,000 years, Karahantepe is one of several interconnected sites in the Taş Tepeler region, which also includes Göbeklitepe, Sefertepe, Sayburç, Harbetsuvan Tepesi, and Çakmaktepe. These settlements continue to reshape our understanding of humanity’s transition from nomadic life to organized, temple-centered communities. Together, they position Anatolia as one of the earliest centers of symbolic architecture and spiritual innovation.

A Historic First at Karahantepe: Human-Faced T-Shaped Pillar Unearthed in Türkiye

Archaeologists have uncovered a T-shaped pillar carved with a human face at the Neolithic site of Karahantepe in southeastern Türkiye — a discovery described as a first in human history. The finding was announced by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy on his official X (Twitter) account, where he wrote: “Karahantepe — A

Human-Statue-Gobeklitepe

12,000-Year-Old Human Statue Unearthed at Göbekli Tepe

Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has announced the discovery of a human statue embedded in a wall at Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex in southeastern Türkiye. The artifact, believed to have been placed as a votive offering, is expected to provide groundbreaking insights into Neolithic rituals and belief

Mendik Tepe

Archaeologists Uncover Early Neolithic Structures at Mendik Tepe, Potentially Older Than Göbekli Tepe

Excavations at Mendik Tepe, a prehistoric site in southeastern Türkiye, are advancing rapidly and may reveal evidence older than Göbekli Tepe, the UNESCO World Heritage site widely regarded as the “zero point of history.” Professor Douglas Baird of the University of Liverpool’s Department of Archaeology, who leads the excavation, reported that structures of different sizes

Vessel Within a Vessel

From the Neolithic Age to the Present: The Discovery of the “Vessel Within a Vessel” at Karahantepe is Revolutionizing Historical Narratives

An extraordinary collection of 485 pieces from the Karahantepe region of Şanlıurfa was featured at the International Archaeology Symposium and “The Golden Age of Archaeology” exhibition held at the Presidential National Library in Ankara, the capital of Türkiye. Among these, a unique stone vessel containing a smaller vessel stands out as the oldest and most

Karahantepe to Welcome Visitors in 2025

Karahantepe to Welcome Visitors in 2025

Rising in the mystical atmosphere of Şanlıurfa, in the shadow of Göbekli Tepe, Karahantepe draws attention as an important archaeological site that unlocks the secrets of the Neolithic Age. The impressive artifacts unearthed since the excavations began in 2019 transform Karahantepe from just an archaeological site into a time journey that sheds light on human

A protective roof is being built at Karahantepe, which sheds light on the Neolithic Period

A protective roof is being built at Karahantepe, which sheds light on the Neolithic Period

Karahantepe, one of Şanlıurfa’s important Neolithic settlements, continues to make a name for itself with ongoing excavations. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has taken action to protect the unique artifacts unearthed in this unparalleled archaeological site, contemporary with Göbekli Tepe, under the “Heritage for the Future Project.” Prof. Dr. Necmi Karul shared important information

Running wild donkey figure carved into the ground stone discovered in Karahantepe.

Running wild donkey figure carved into the ground stone discovered in Karahantepe

In Karahantepe, a Neolithic settlement with a history of approximately 12,000 years, a figure of a running wild donkey carved on stone was unearthed. Karahantepe is considered to be an important turning point in humanity’s transition to settled life As in Göbeklitepe, T-shaped obelisks were also found in Karahantepe. These obelisks provide important information about

A painted, wild boar sculpture was discovered at Göbeklitepe

A painted, wild boar sculpture discovered at Göbeklitepe

Exciting discoveries have been made at Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe, often referred to as the “zero point” of history. In Göbeklitepe, a life-sized sculpture of a wild boar was unearthed. As part of the Taş Tepeler project, which sheds light on prehistory and has seen highly significant discoveries on a global scale, the archaeological excavations carried

An impressive prehistoric architectural engineering “Karahantepe”

Karahantepe, known locally as “Keçilitepe”, is a prehistoric site in an upland area of the Tektek Mountains in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, Türkiye. Located just over 45 kilometers (27 miles) east of Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe was first discovered in 1997. While the archaeological site has still not been fully excavated, digs have revealed that

The traces of settlement are being reached in the excavations at Karahantepe

The traces of settlement are being reached in the excavations at Karahantepe

Karahantepe archaeological site excavations provide new information about the ancient past and human settlement patterns. The site is known for its stratified layers of occupation that span a wide range of historical periods, including the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Early Bronze Ages. These layers reveal a complex history of human habitation and cultural evolution. The works