Hattusha-The Hittite Capital

Hattusha (also spelled Hattuşa, Ḫattuša, or Hattusas) is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Turkey, serving as the capital of the Hittite Empire during the Late Bronze Age. Located near modern Boğazkale (formerly Boğazköy) in Çorum Province, Turkey, Hattusha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized in 1986 for its historical and cultural importance. This ancient city offers a window into the sophisticated Hittite civilization, showcasing their architectural prowess, religious practices, and administrative systems. Below is a detailed overview addressing your questions. 

Where is Hattusha? 

Hattusha is situated in the Çorum Province of Turkey, approximately 82 km southwest of Çorum city center and about 200 km east of Ankara, the capital of Turkey. The site lies within the great loop of the Kızılırmak River (known in Hittite as Marashantiya and in Greek as Halys), in the Boğazkale district. Geographically, it is part of the Black Sea region but physically located in Central Anatolia, near the Yeşilırmak Basin. The ancient city is close to other significant Hittite sites, such as Alacahöyük and Şapinuva, and is part of the Boğazkale and Alacahöyük National Park, declared in 1988.

The city’s strategic location on a hilly terrain, surrounded by natural defenses and fertile lands, made it an ideal capital for the Hittites, facilitating control over trade routes and regional governance. 

What Kind of Civilization Was the Hittite Civilization? 

The Hittites were one of the most powerful and advanced civilizations of the ancient Near East, flourishing in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and parts of northern Syria during the Bronze Age. They established a formidable empire that rivaled contemporary powers like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. The Hittite civilization is notable for its contributions to diplomacy, law, architecture, and writing, as well as its complex religious practices.
Historical Context: The Hittites emerged around the 18th century BCE, with their history divided into three main periods: the Early Period (c. 1800–1680 BCE), the Old Kingdom (c. 1680–1440 BCE), and the New Kingdom or Imperial Period (c. 1400–1190 BCE). Their empire reached its zenith in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE under kings like Suppiluliuma I and Mursili II, controlling much of Anatolia and northern Syria. The empire collapsed around 1190 BCE during the Bronze Age Collapse, after which smaller Neo-Hittite or Late Hittite kingdoms persisted in southeastern Anatolia and northern Syria until around 700 BCE.

Cultural and Political Achievements-Diplomacy: The Hittites are famous for the Kadesh Treaty (c. 1280 BCE), signed with Egypt under King Hattusili III and Pharaoh Ramses II. Discovered in Hattusha, it is the earliest known written peace treaty, highlighting their diplomatic sophistication.

Language and Writing: The Hittites spoke an Indo-European language, Hittite, and used cuneiform script (adapted from Mesopotamia) to record laws, treaties, myths, and religious texts on clay tablets. They also used hieroglyphic Luwian for monumental inscriptions. Over 30,000 tablets found in Hattusha provide invaluable insights into their society.

Religion: Known as the “Land of a Thousand Gods,” the Hittites practiced a polytheistic religion, incorporating deities from Hatti, Hurrian, Sumerian, and other cultures. Key gods included the Storm God Teshub and the Sun Goddess of Arinna (Hepat). Their religion heavily influenced their art and architecture, as seen in temples and open-air sanctuaries like Yazılıkaya. The Hittite state was highly organized, with a centralized monarchy supported by nobles, priests, and administrators. Their legal system was advanced, emphasizing restitution over retribution, and their economy relied on agriculture, trade, and tribute. At its peak, the Hittite Empire controlled most of Anatolia (except the Marmara region), northern Syria, and parts of Mesopotamia. Key ports like Ura (near Mersin) and Troy (Çanakkale) facilitated Mediterranean trade, as evidenced by the Uluburun shipwreck, which revealed their extensive trade networks.

Hattusha was a sprawling, well-planned city covering approximately 1.8 km², with massive fortifications, temples, palaces, and residential areas. It was divided into two main zones: the Lower City (civilian and administrative areas) and the Upper City (primarily religious and elite quarters). 

Green Stone of Hattusa 

Green Stone of Hattusa located in the Lower City, this is the largest and most important temple in Hattusha, dedicated to the Storm God Teshub and the Sun Goddess of Arinna. It features a rectangular layout with storage rooms, a central courtyard, and the enigmatic Green Stone (see below). The temple reflects Hittite religious architecture and was a center of ritual activity.

Royal Gate (King’s Gate): Another grand entrance in the Upper City, this gate features a high-relief figure of a warrior or deity, possibly the god Sharruma. It served as a ceremonial and defensive entry point, showcasing Hittite artistry.

Yerkapı (Sphinx Gate and Tunnel): Located at the highest point of the Upper City, Yerkapı is a massive artificial ramp with a 70-meter-long corbelled tunnel beneath it, likely used for defense and possibly ritual purposes. The nearby Sphinx Gate, adorned with sphinx reliefs (originals in museums), offers panoramic views and highlights Hittite engineering.

Great Citadel (Büyükkale): The royal palace complex in the Upper City, where Hittite kings resided. It included administrative buildings, archives, and living quarters, surrounded by an inner fortress. The palace was a hub of political and military activity.

Lion Gate Hattusa 

Lion Gate Hattusa is one of the iconic monumental gates in the Upper City’s fortifications, the Lion Gate is named for the two large lion reliefs flanking its entrance. These lions, symbolizing protection and power, were carved into massive stone blocks. The original reliefs are now in the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, with replicas at the site. The gate exemplifies Hittite stonework and defensive architecture.

Yazılıkaya Open-Air Sanctuary: Located 2 km northeast of Hattusha, Yazılıkaya is a rock-cut sanctuary with two chambers (Chamber A and B) adorned with reliefs of gods, goddesses, and mythological scenes. Chamber A depicts a procession of deities converging toward Teshub and Hepat, while Chamber B includes reliefs of underworld gods and King Tudhaliya IV. This site was likely used for religious festivals, such as the Hittite New Year.

City Walls and Fortifications: Hattusha’s 6-km-long walls, built during the reign of Suppiluliuma I (c. 1344–1322 BCE), featured towers, gates, and hidden tunnels. The reconstructed section near the Lion Gate gives visitors a sense of their grandeur.

Clay Tablets: The discovery of thousands of cuneiform tablets in Hattusha, including the Kadesh Treaty, royal annals, and religious texts, has been crucial for understanding Hittite history. These are displayed in museums like the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Çorum Museum, and Boğazköy Museum.

Nişantaş Inscription: A rock relief in the Upper City with a long hieroglyphic inscription attributed to Suppiluliuma II, though parts are eroded. It reflects Hittite administrative and commemorative practices.

Hattusha served as the capital of the Hittite Empire from approximately 1600 BCE to 1190 BCE, with brief interruptions (e.g., when Sapinuwa was temporarily the capital). 
Early Period: c. 1800–1680 BCE, marked by the formation of Hittite city-states.

Old Kingdom: c. 1680–1440 BCE, when Hattusha was established as the capital by King Hattusili I (c. 1600 BCE).

New Kingdom (Imperial Period): c. 1400–1190 BCE, the empire’s height under kings like Suppiluliuma I, Mursili II, and Hattusili III.

Collapse: c. 1190 BCE, during the Bronze Age Collapse, likely due to invasions (possibly by the Sea Peoples or Kaskians), internal strife, and economic decline.

Territorial Extent: At its peak (14th–13th centuries BCE), the Hittite Empire controlled:
Most of Anatolia (modern Turkey), excluding the Marmara region.

Northern Syria, including key cities like Carchemish and Aleppo.

Parts of Mesopotamia, through vassal states and military campaigns.

Trade routes connecting the Mediterranean (via ports like Ura and Troy) to Mesopotamia and Egypt.

The empire’s influence extended through diplomacy and military conquest, as seen in their rivalry with Egypt, culminating in the Kadesh Treaty.

.Visiting Hours and Entrance Fees 

Summer Period (April 15–October 2): 08:30–19:00
Winter Period (October 3–April 14): 08:00–17:00
Closed until 13:00 on the first day of religious holidays.

Entrance Fee: Approximately 5 EUR (payable in Turkish Lira). The ticket includes entry to both Hattusha and Yazılıkaya Open-Air Sanctuary. Museum Card (Müze Kart) holders get free entry (twice per year for standard cards, unlimited for Müze Kart+)

Tips for Visitors: Wear comfortable shoes, as the site is expansive and hilly (a full tour by car takes ~2 hours, longer on foot). Bring water and sun protection, especially in summer.