Hattusa is one of Anatolia's most important ancient settlements, having served as the capital of the powerful Hittite Empire from the 17th to the 13th century BCE. Strategically located in the central Anatolian plateau, the city was the political, religious, and cultural heart of the Hittite civilization. Today, situated within the provincial borders of Çorum, Hattusa stands out with its rich archaeological remains, which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

History

The history of Hattusa dates back to the late 3rd millennium BCE, with the settlement of the Hattians, one of Anatolia's indigenous peoples. During the Assyrian Trade Colonies period (circa 2000-1750 BCE), the city emerged as an important trade center and was referred to as Hattush. Conquered and destroyed by King Anitta of Kuššara in the 18th century BCE, the city was resettled shortly thereafter, despite Anitta's curse. In the early 17th century BCE, it was declared the capital by the Hittite King Hattusili I (Labarna II) and took the name Hattusa. From this period onwards, the city reached its zenith during the Old Hittite Kingdom, Middle Hittite Kingdom, and especially the Great Hittite Empire (1400-1200 BCE). During the most brilliant periods of the Hittite Empire, Hattusa became the administrative, religious, and military center of one of the Near East's greatest powers. Around 1200 BCE, as a result of widespread migrations and upheavals known as the "Sea Peoples" movements, Hattusa was destroyed and abandoned. Although there were small-scale settlements during later Phrygian and Roman periods, the city never regained its former glory.

Geographic Location

Hattusa was established in the heart of the Central Anatolian Plateau, on a large plateau, at a strategic point surrounded by slopes conducive to natural defense. The city's encirclement by deep valleys to its east and south provided natural protection. The Kızılırmak (ancient Halys) River, flowing nearby, served as a water source for the surrounding fertile agricultural lands and also ensured its location at the crossroads of important trade routes extending into the Anatolian interior. This location facilitated the Hittites' commercial and military connections with surrounding regions (Black Sea, Mesopotamia, Aegean). The forests and mineral deposits around the city also provided important raw materials for the Hittite economy. This strategic location of Hattusa played a key role in the Hittite Empire's establishment and maintenance of its hegemony in Anatolia.

Significance in Antiquity

In antiquity, Hattusa was not merely a city but also the heart of the Hittite Empire, one of the greatest powers of the Near East. Politically, as the capital of the empire, it was the center where all administrative decisions were made, kings resided, and diplomatic relations were conducted. Texts of international treaties, such as the famous Treaty of Kadesh with Egypt, were preserved here. Economically, its location at the intersection of important Anatolian trade routes contributed to the city's prosperity. Sustained by agricultural products from its surrounding lands and taxes from across the empire, the city functioned as a redistribution center. Religiously, Hattusa was the main place of worship for the Hittite pantheon, known as the "People of a Thousand Gods." Housing numerous temples and sacred areas, the city was the center of the royal cult and important religious ceremonies. The king also served as the chief priest, and the temples in Hattusa played a significant role in ensuring the religious unity of the empire.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. The most flourishing period of Hattusa, that of the Hittite Empire, coincides with a time when coinage had not yet been invented or was not widely used. Coinage in ancient Anatolia began during the Lydian Kingdom in the 7th century BCE, long after Hattusa's destruction around 1200 BCE. Therefore, during the Hittite period, different means of payment such as a barter system or bullion metals were used in trade. Furthermore, there is no archaeological or numismatic evidence to suggest that the city functioned as a mint during its later, small-scale settlement periods.

Archaeological Remains

Archaeological excavations at Hattusa have revealed the city's immense size and complex structure. Among the remains visible to visitors today are massive defensive walls, monumental gates, and temples. Notably, the Lion Gate, King's Gate, and Sphinx Gate showcase the power and aesthetics of Hittite architecture. The tunnel and rampart systems at Yerkapı are impressive examples of Hittite engineering. The Great Temple, one of the city's largest structures, formed the center of Hittite religious life. Tablet archives unearthed during excavations contain cuneiform texts offering invaluable information on Hittite history, law, religion, and diplomacy. The Yazılıkaya Open-Air Sanctuary, located just outside the city, depicts important gods and kings of the Hittite pantheon with its rock-cut reliefs. These rich remains clearly demonstrate why Hattusa was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.

Today

The ancient city of Hattusa is currently located within the borders of Boğazkale district, affiliated with Çorum province, and is also known as Boğazköy. As one of Turkey's most important archaeological sites, Hattusa welcomes thousands of local and foreign tourists every year. Hattusa, situated approximately 200 km from Ankara, is accessible by road. Visitors can explore the ancient city's ruins, examine artifacts in the museum, and experience the fascinating atmosphere of Hittite civilization. The site is meticulously preserved thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage status and is passed on to future generations.