The Monuments

Unlike the animal-dominated imagery of Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe places the human form at the center of its symbolism.

Anthropomorphism
The site is defined by its focus on human attributes. From the 3D head to the phallic pillars, the imagery suggests a shift towards human-centric rituals or perhaps a different stage in the mythological narrative of the region.
Bedrock Carving
Many of the structures at Karahan Tepe are not built from quarried stone blocks but are carved directly out of the living limestone bedrock. This required immense planning and effort, as a single mistake could not be easily corrected.
Image of The Human Head

The Human Head

The most iconic discovery at Karahan Tepe is a large human head carved in high relief from the bedrock. It features a prominent nose, large eyes, and a mouth.

It is positioned on the wall of a rock-cut chamber, staring directly at the entrance. This placement, combined with the phallus stones in the same chamber, suggests a ritual function related to initiation or rebirth.

Image of The Phallus Chamber

The Rock-Cut Chamber

This chamber contains 11 phallus-shaped pillars carved from the floor. A serpentine channel runs along the top of the wall, possibly for water or blood rituals.

The entire complex appears to be designed for a specific procession or ceremony, possibly involving liquid flowing into the chamber where the pillars stand.