Hattusha

Hattusha was the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire in the 2nd millennium BCE, bearing the remarkable legacy of a once-mighty civilization at the heart of Anatolia. Renowned for its advanced urban planning, the city features remarkable structures such as the intricately adorned Lion’s Gate and Royal Gate, alongside the impressive rock sanctuary of Yazılıkaya, reflecting the religious beliefs of the Hittites.

Encircled by a monumental wall spanning over 8 kilometers, the city comprises Lower and Upper sections. The Lower City is home to the Great Temple, dating to the 13th century BCE, while the Upper City served as a sacred area with numerous temples dedicated to the gods and goddesses of the Hittite and Hurrian pantheons. The longest known Hittite hieroglyphic inscription is also located at Nişantepe in the Upper City.

Included in 1986 on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Hattusha was more than a capital; it was a political, religious, and commercial hub that profoundly influenced neighboring civilizations. Its palaces, temples, trading quarters, and necropolis provide a vivid glimpse into the grandeur of the Hittite Empire.