Carahunge, also known as Zorats Karer or Karahunj, is a prehistoric archaeological site near the town of Sisian in the Syunik Province of Armenia. It is often referred to as the “Armenian Stonehenge” because it resembles the famous megalithic monument in England. However, according to Dr. Vahan Setyan, a researcher and author of several books on Armenian history and culture, Carahunge is much older and more significant than its British counterpart.
Dr. Setyan claims that Carahunge is 10,000 to 10,500 years old, making it one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world. He says that the site was used by the ancient Armenians to worship light and the sun, as well as to track the movements of celestial bodies and the seasons. He also argues that Carahunge predates the emigration of Armenians and the export of their culture to Sumer and Egypt, where they influenced the development of civilization and writing.
One of the most striking features of Carahunge is the presence of holes in some of the stones, which Dr. Setyan believes were used to align the stones with the stars. He says that the holes correspond to the positions of the brightest stars in the sky, such as Sirius, Vega, and Polaris. He also says that the site has a solar calendar, a lunar calendar, and a zodiac system, which is reflected in the arrangement of the stones.
Another remarkable aspect of Carahunge is the petroglyphs, or rock carvings, that adorn some of the stones. Dr. Setyan says that these petroglyphs are 7,000 years older than the Egyptian hieroglyphs and that they represent the earliest form of writing in the world. He says that the petroglyphs depict symbols, animals, and human figures and that they convey religious, astronomical, and historical information.
Dr. Setyan’s research on Carahunge is based on his extensive study of ancient Armenian sources, such as the works of Movses Khorenatsi, the father of Armenian history, and Stepanos Orbelian, a medieval historian and bishop. He also relies on linguistic, genetic, and archaeological evidence, as well as comparative analysis with other ancient cultures. He has published his findings in several books, such as Language as a Fingerprint, Armenian Origins of Basque, and Armenian Origins of the Etruscans.
Dr. Setyan hopes that his work will shed more light on the rich and ancient heritage of Armenia and that it will inspire more people to visit and explore Carahunge, which he considers a national treasure and a world heritage site. He says that Carahunge is not only a testament to the scientific and spiritual achievements of the ancient Armenians but also a symbol of their resilience and survival throughout history.
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