In Syunik region, near the town Sisian is Karahundj, one of the most famous sights of Armenia. Karahundj is 3,500 years older than Scottish Stonehenge and 3,000 years older than the Egyptian pyramids. Zorats Karer is one of the most ancient megalithic constructions of the world. The Armenian scientists believe there is a link between the name of Stonehenge in the UK and Armenian Karahundj. The word “karahundj” is translated as “speaking stones”. “Stone” in Armenian is “kar” and “henge” (a word which is absent in English) is the same “hundj” (voice, sound, echo in Armenian).
It is a prehistoric monument consisting of hundreds of huge stones placed vertically 2 meters with holes in the top. The oldest complex includes 222 large upright standing stones in height from 1,5 to 2,8 meters and weighing up to 8, 5 tons. In some stones in the upper part there are made around the through holes 4-5 cm in diameter with conical extensions at the ends.The stones extended from south to north in elliptical form have double circle. The stones have been ascribed with mystical, fertility and cosmic powers, but rarely have ancient monuments caused such a sensation in astronomical circles.
Stonehenge and the remains of this mysterious monument cause many assumptions and uncertainty.
P. Heruni, an Armenian scientist, launched scientific expeditions for the study of the monument in the years 1994-1997. He concluded it was dedicated to the Armenian sun-god Ara. The ancient people used this place as an observatory for observing the movement of the sun, moon and celestial bodies.
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