Karahan Tepe
The most spectacular of the newly discovered 'stone mound' sites, with carved rock chambers containing giant human-head sculptures and phallic stone pillars.
Karahan Tepe lies in the Tek Tek Mountains about 60 km east of the city. It belongs to the same Pre-Pottery Neolithic culture as Göbekli Tepe, around 11,000 years old, and large-scale excavation began in 2019. Its most striking feature is the ritual space carved out of the rock, where huge human heads project from the walls and more than a dozen stone pillars stand across the floor. There are walkways and a visitor centre.
It can be combined with Harran and the Sumatar Ancient City for a southeastern day trip. The roads are good, but public transport is limited, so hiring a car is recommended.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Soğmatar
- Şuayb City
- Han el Ba'rur Caravanserai
- Bazda Caves
- Great Mosque of Harran
- Harran Castle
- Harran Beehive Houses
- Göbekli Tepe