Karahunj: The World's Oldest Observatory and the Legacy of Paris Herouni

Karahunj (also known as Zorats Karer), located near the city of Sisian in the Syunik region, is one of the most mysterious monuments in human history. While some archaeologists view it as a necropolis, it was Academician Paris Herouni who proved that Karahunj was the world's oldest and most sophisticated astronomical observatory.

1. Paris Herouni’s Scientific Revolution

Paris Herouni, a world-renowned scientist in radiophysics and astronomy, conducted four major expeditions to Karahunj in the 1990s. Using precise mathematical calculations, he reached revolutionary conclusions:

• Age: Herouni calculated that Karahunj is over 7,500 years old. This makes it 3,500 years older than England's Stonehenge and 3,000 years older than the Egyptian pyramids.

• The Perforated Stones: Of the 223 stones, 84 have small, circular holes. Herouni proved these holes were directional telescopes aimed at specific celestial points, allowing ancient astronomers to track the Sun, Moon, and stars (specifically Deneb, the brightest star in the Cygnus constellation).

• Etymology: He justified the name "Karahunj," linking "kar" (stone) and "hunj" (sound/voice), interpreting it as "Speaking Stones."

  
  

2. Connection with Stonehenge

Herouni proposed a compelling link between Karahunj and Stonehenge, noting not only structural similarities but also linguistic ones. He argued that astronomical knowledge migrated from the Armenian Highlands to Europe, positioning Armenia as the cradle of ancient science.