Karahan Tepe T-Pillar Structure AD
Bronze Age (3000–1200 BCE)·Bronze Age·🇹🇷 Şanlıurfa, Karahantepe, Turkey
About
About Karahan Tepe T-Pillar Structure AD
Karahan Tepe T-Pillar Structure AD in Şanlıurfa, Karahantepe, Turkey is a Bronze Age (3000–1200 BCE) ancient city attributed to Bronze Age. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal walled area 12 ha and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 37.0910N 39.3040E controls access to Şanlıurfa resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey ancient city for Şanlıurfa, Karahantepe, illustrating Bronze Age construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 2800 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age (3000–1200 BCE)
- Culture
- Bronze Age
- Purpose
- Regional urban centre controlling trade and administration
- Rediscovered
- 1969 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2800 BCE
Initial construction of Karahan Tepe T-Pillar Structure AD main structure
c. 1909
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1969–2014
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Karahan Tepe T-Pillar Structure AD) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
37.0910° N · 39.3040° E · 143 m · 3 mapped features
Karahan Tepe T-Pillar Structure AD — Main Structure
structurePrincipal ancient city — Walled area 12 ha with diagnostic masonry/panel
37.0918° N · 39.3049° EKarahan Tepe T-Pillar Structure AD — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
37.0900° N · 39.3033° EKarahan Tepe T-Pillar Structure AD — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
37.0925° N · 39.3052° E