Hattusha: Step into the Hittite Capital Lost in Time
WHAT IS HATTUSHA?
Hidden in the quiet hills near Boğazkale in Central Anatolia, Hattusha was once the mighty capital of the Hittite Empire. This mysterious ancient city served as the administrative and religious center of one of the most powerful civilizations in the ancient Near East, rivaling Egypt and Babylon during the Late Bronze Age.
Dating back to the 17th century BCE, Hattusha was home to majestic temples, royal palaces, powerful city gates, and a population that understood the science of city planning long before many others.
A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY
The Hittites were the first people in Anatolia to establish a well-organized state and a legal system. Their empire stretched from western Turkey to Syria and Northern Iraq, and they were one of the few civilizations that signed a peace treaty with ancient Egypt — the famous Treaty of Kadesh.
Hattusha served as their beating heart. Though abandoned around 1200 BCE due to invasions and natural decline, the ruins remained hidden until rediscovered in the early 20th century. In 1986, Hattusha was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, preserving its global importance.
WHAT TO SEE IN HATTUSHA
A visit to Hattusha is like walking through an open-air museum. Among the most fascinating features are:
- The Lion Gate: Two massive lion sculptures guard the entrance to the city. These were meant to protect the city from evil spirits.
- The King’s Gate: Decorated with a relief of a warrior-king, this gate symbolized strength and power.
- The Great Temple: The spiritual center of Hattusha, dedicated to the Storm God and Sun Goddess.
- Yerkapı and the Sphinx Gate: An artificial tunnel under a massive embankment, with majestic sphinx sculptures.
- Büyükkale (the Upper City): The former royal acropolis filled with remnants of palaces and administrative buildings.
YAZILIKAYA – THE ROCK SANCTUARY
Only a couple of kilometers from Hattusha is Yazılıkaya, an open-air rock sanctuary where Hittites carved their deities into stone walls. These magnificent bas-reliefs of gods, goddesses, and sacred animals still stand tall after over 3,000 years.
Yazılıkaya is particularly known for its two galleries: Gallery A, where the gods of the Hittite pantheon are carved in procession, and Gallery B, believed to be used for royal or spiritual rituals.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HATTUSHA
- The city was protected by over 6 kilometers of defensive walls.
- Thousands of cuneiform tablets were discovered in its archives.
- The Hittites signed the first known peace treaty in history.
- Hattusha was rediscovered by German archaeologist Hugo Winckler in 1906.
- The Hittites worshiped over 1,000 gods.
HOW TO VISIT HATTUSHA
Hattusha is located near Boğazkale, around 210 km east of Ankara. While it’s possible to drive yourself, the best experience comes with a private guide who brings the ruins to life.
Visitors often combine Hattusha with Yazılıkaya in a half-day or full-day tour. Paths are walkable but include some uphill terrain, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
WHY HATTUSHA SHOULD BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST
Hattusha is not just a place for history buffs — it’s a journey into the heart of a once-mighty empire. Off the beaten path and rich in ancient wonders, it offers an unforgettable cultural experience.
At Turkey Tour Organizer, we design custom tours to places like Hattusha, Cappadocia, and beyond. Let us help you step back in time and explore Turkey’s most remarkable hidden treasures.
Erkan Dülger
Erkan Dulger, a seasoned expert in the travel and tourism sector, has devoted more than 17 years of his life to planning wonderful journeys for people all over the world. Erkan has made a great career as a travel consultant and prosperous business owner. He was born with a deep enthusiasm for exploration and a desire to introduce people to beautiful places.
Erkan traveled to the United States in search of knowledge and practical experience, where he spent four years honing his craft while working at various hotels. He was able to better comprehend the complexities of the travel industry as well as the various demands and expectations of travelers thanks to this priceless experience.
Erkan had always dreamed of starting his own travel business, one that would reflect his passion for crafting extraordinary travel experiences. Erkan founded his own travel company in 2015 after realizing his dream via intense determination and strong faith in his abilities.
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