Iconographic Transition in the Taş Tepeler Region: Animal Dominance at Göbekli Tepe versus Anthropomorphic Emphasis at Karahan Tepe

Karahan Tepe, a contemporaneous sister site to Göbekli Tepe in Turkey’s Taş Tepeler region (~9600–9000 BCE), shares T-shaped pillars but displays markedly different iconography. Building on quantitative analysis of Göbekli Tepe (fauna ~80%, fox-dominant), this comparative study incorporates recent excavations revealing Karahan’s prominent anthropomorphic elements, including life-sized human statues, a vulture relief associated with a human head, and Structure AB’s phallic pillars surrounding a carved human head in bedrock. Anthropomorphic motifs predominate at Karahan, alongside targeted fauna such as vultures.We hypothesize a symbolic transition from nature/totemic markers (communal identity, seasonal cycles, egalitarian circular gatherings at Göbekli) to human-centric representations (individuality, hierarchy, elaborate death rites via linear procession and excarnation motifs at Karahan), reflecting escalating social complexity and emerging elites. Layout contrasts and motif patterns support this shift. Implications include ritual driving cognitive and societal changes during sedentism. Future comprehensive digital inventories and network analysis are recommended.