Karahunj

location

Region

Syunik

location

Distance from Yerevan

206.8 km

location

Type

Monument/Memorial complex

The popular names for Karahunj include Tsits Qarer (Upright Stones), Dik-Dik Qarer, and Zorats Karer, which means 'Stones of the Days'. Another interpretation of ""Zorats Karer"" is ""Powerful Stones"", emphasizing the energetic strength and magnitude of the megaliths. In the 1990s, the site was named Karahunj by academician and radio physicist Parsam Herouni. Herouni pointed out that the 13th-century historian Stepanos Orbelian mentioned a village called Karunj near Sisian. Herouni interpreted the name ""kar"" (stone) as a ""sounding"" or ""speaking"" stone, drawing a parallel with Stonehenge, whose name also implies ""talking stones."" Similar megalithic structures are found in Scotland, France, Egypt, Ireland, and elsewhere, which have been historically associated with astronomical observations. In the early 20th century, astronomers such as Camille Flammarion (France), William Olcott (USA), and Edward Maunder (UK) suggested that the first astronomical observations and division of constellations may have originated in the Armenian Highlands. This theory implies that ancient observatories existed throughout historical Armenia, forming the basis for the development and dissemination of astronomical knowledge. Karahunj, along with Portasar, the scientific center of Metsamor, astronomical centers at Selim and Sev Sar, ancient star and celestial images, belt calendars, bronze models of the solar system, and medieval Armenian astronomical texts, all support this perspective.

Interesting

facts about Karahunj

Vanik
fact

Facts

fun-fact1
The large lacustrine basin formed by volcanic eruptions in the Syunik region provided a seismically stable foundation, allowing for the long-term preservation of key architectural monuments, including Karahunj.
fun-fact2
Karahunj is regarded not only in Armenia but globally as an ancient astronomical observatory. Its name, structure, and function have drawn international comparisons, scholarly evidence, and historical analysis, pointing to the Armenian Highlands as a cradle of early astronomy.
location

Weather in Syunik

The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Karahunj depends on the weather conditions.

Sights

near Karahunj

66fa56c2dfbd1-sisit.png

Sisavank Monastery

5 km

66d9b0da66af0_շաքի2.png

Shaki Waterfall

10 km

66f9874756481-oops.png

Vorotnavank

14 km

66892fb9c3ff5_տաթևեր2.png

“Wings of Tatev” cableway

35 km

one-ik

Contact us

Contact