Have you ever heard of the Hittites? They were one of the most powerful civilizations in the ancient Near East, ruling over a vast empire that stretched from Anatolia to Syria and Mesopotamia. Their capital city, Hattusha, was a marvel of urban planning, architecture, and art, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this article, we will show you how to visit Hattusha independently, what to see and do there, and why you should learn more about the history and culture of the Hittites.
How to Visit Hattusha Independently
Visiting Hattusha independently is not only possible, but also rewarding. You will have the freedom and flexibility to explore the ancient city at your own pace, and to immerse yourself in its fascinating past. However, visiting Hattusha independently also requires some planning and preparation, as the site is not very well connected or serviced by public transport or tourism facilities. Here are some tips and advice on how to visit Hattusha independently:
How to get to Hattusha:
Hattusha is located about 200 km east of Ankara, the capital of Turkey, and about 80 km south of Corum, the nearest major city. The easiest way to get to Hattusha is by car, as you can drive directly to the site and park near the entrance. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a train from Ankara to Corum, and then take a local bus or a taxi to Bogazkale, the small town near Hattusha. From Bogazkale, you can walk or hitchhike to the site, which is about 2 km away.
Where to stay near Hattusha:
If you want to stay near Hattusha, you have a few options. The most convenient and comfortable option is to stay at one of the hotels or guesthouses in Bogazkale, which offer basic but clean and cozy rooms, as well as breakfast and dinner. Alternatively, you can stay at one of the campsites near Hattusha, which offer tents, caravans, or bungalows, as well as showers and toilets. However, be aware that the campsites are only open from May to October, and that they can get crowded and noisy during the peak season.
Where to eat and drink in and around Hattusha:
There are not many places to eat and drink in and around Hattusha, so you might want to bring your own snacks and water. However, you can find some restaurants and cafes in Bogazkale, which serve local and Turkish cuisine, such as kebabs, soups, salads, and desserts. You can also find some markets and shops in Bogazkale, where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese, and other groceries.
How much does it cost to visit Hattusha:
The entrance fee to Hattusha is 25 Turkish Lira (about 3 USD) per person, and it includes access to the main site, the rock art of Yazılıkaya, and the museum. The transport costs depend on the mode and distance of travel, but you can expect to pay around 50-100 Turkish Lira (about 6-12 USD) for a round trip from Ankara to Hattusha by bus or train, and around 10-20 Turkish Lira (about 1-2 USD) for a local bus or taxi from Corum to Bogazkale.
The accommodation costs vary depending on the type and quality of the place, but you can expect to pay around 100-200 Turkish Lira (about 12-24 USD) for a night at a hotel or guesthouse, and around 50-100 Turkish Lira (about 6-12 USD) for a night at a campsite. The food and drink costs depend on your appetite and preferences, but you can expect to pay around 20-40 Turkish Lira (about 2-5 USD) for a meal at a restaurant or cafe, and around 10-20 Turkish Lira (about 1-2 USD) for a snack or a drink at a market or shop.
What to See and Do in Hattusha
Hattusha is a sprawling and impressive site, covering an area of about 180 hectares. It is divided into two main parts: the lower city and the upper city, which are separated by a massive enclosure wall. The lower city was the administrative and religious center of the Hittite capital, while the upper city was the residential and military area. There are also several gates, tunnels, and rock art sites around the city, which add to its charm and mystery. Here are some of the main attractions and features of Hattusha:
The Lower City:
The lower city is the oldest and most densely populated part of Hattusha, and it contains some of the most important and impressive buildings and structures. Here you can see the remains of the temples, palaces, and fortifications that were built by the Hittite kings and priests. Some of the highlights include:
The Great Temple: The largest and most sacred temple in Hattusha, dedicated to the storm god Teshub and his consort Hebat. It was built in the 13th century BC, and it consisted of a large courtyard, a main hall, and several chambers and storerooms. The temple was richly decorated with reliefs, sculptures, and inscriptions, and it housed many valuable offerings and artifacts, such as bronze statues, gold and silver vessels, and clay tablets.
The Grand Palace: The main residence and office of the Hittite king, located on a hill overlooking the lower city. It was built in the 14th century BC, and it comprised of a complex of buildings, courtyards, and gardens. The palace was also adorned with reliefs, sculptures, and inscriptions, and it contained many rooms and halls, such as the throne room, the audience hall, and the royal archives.
The Fortifications: The defensive walls and towers that surrounded and protected the lower city from external attacks. They were built in the 13th century BC, and they were reinforced with stone and mud bricks. The fortifications also included several gates, such as the Lions’ Gate, the Royal Gate, and the Sphinx Gate, which were embellished with sculptures of lions, sphinxes, and warriors.
The Upper City:
The upper city is the newer and more elevated part of Hattusha, and it contains some of the most private and secluded buildings and structures. Here you can see the remains of the royal residences, the citadel, and the tunnels that were used by the Hittite elite and soldiers. Some of the highlights include:
The Royal Residences: The secondary and auxiliary palaces and houses that were used by the Hittite king, his family, and his courtiers. They were built in the 13th and 12th centuries BC, and they consisted of a series of buildings, courtyards, and gardens. The royal residences were also decorated with reliefs, sculptures, and inscriptions, and they contained many rooms and halls, such as the banquet hall, the reception hall, and the royal treasury.
The Citadel: The highest and most fortified part of the upper city, located on a hilltop. It was built in the 13th century BC, and it served as a refuge and a stronghold for the Hittite king and his army. The citadel was surrounded by a thick wall and a moat, and it included several buildings, such as the watchtower, the barracks, and the armory.
The Tunnels: The underground passages and chambers that connected the upper city with the lower city and the outside world. They were built in the 13th and 12th centuries BC, and they were used for communication, transportation, and escape. The tunnels were also equipped with traps, doors, and vents, and they were guarded by soldiers and spies.
The Rock Art: The rock-cut caves and reliefs that are scattered around Hattusha, and that reflect the artistic and religious expression of the Hittites. They were carved in the 13th and 12th centuries BC, and they depict various scenes and figures from the Hittite mythology and cult. The most famous and spectacular example of the rock art is Yazılıkaya, which means “inscribed rock” in Turkish. Yazılıkaya was an open-air temple and a sanctuary, where the Hittite king and his priests performed rituals and ceremonies. Yazılıkaya consists of two chambers, A and B, which are covered with reliefs of gods and goddesses, and the figure of the Great King Tuthaliya IV.
The History and Culture of Hattusha and the Hittite Kingdom
Hattusha and the Hittite Kingdom have a long and fascinating history and culture, which span over a thousand years and several dynasties. They played a crucial role in the political, military, and cultural development of the ancient Near East, and they left behind a rich and diverse legacy of art, literature, and law. Here are some of the main aspects of the history and culture of Hattusha and the Hittite Kingdom:
The Origin and Rise of the Hittite Kingdom:
The Hittite Kingdom was founded in the 17th century BC, by a group of Indo-European people who migrated from the north and settled in central Anatolia. They adopted the culture and language of the local people, who were called the Hattians, and named their capital city Hattusha, after them. The Hittites expanded their territory and influence through conquests and alliances, and reached their peak of power and glory in the 14th and 13th centuries BC, under the reigns of Suppiluliuma I and Mursili II. They established a vast empire that stretched from Anatolia to Syria and Mesopotamia, and competed with other major powers, such as Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. They also developed a sophisticated civilization, with a complex political, legal, and religious system, and a rich artistic and literary tradition.
The Fall and Decline of the Hittite Kingdom:
The Hittite Kingdom faced a series of challenges and crises in the 12th century BC, which led to its collapse and disappearance. Some of the factors that contributed to the fall and decline of the Hittite Kingdom were internal conflicts and rebellions, external invasions and raids, natural disasters and famines, and social and economic changes. The most devastating event was the invasion of the Sea Peoples, a mysterious group of marauders who attacked and destroyed many cities and civilizations in the eastern Mediterranean. Hattusha was sacked and burned by the Sea Peoples around 1180 BC, and the Hittite Empire was fragmented and dissolved. The remnants of the Hittite people fled to the mountains or assimilated with other cultures, and their history and culture were forgotten for centuries, until their rediscovery and decipherment in the 19th and 20th centuries AD.
The Religion and Mythology of the Hittites:
The Hittites were a polytheistic people, who worshipped a large and diverse pantheon of gods and goddesses, who represented various aspects of nature, society, and human life. The Hittites also adopted and assimilated the gods and goddesses of the other peoples and cultures they encountered, such as the Hattians, the Hurrians, the Luwians, and the Egyptians. The Hittites also had a rich and complex mythology, which narrated the stories and deeds of their gods and goddesses, as well as their heroes and kings. Some of the most famous and influential myths of the Hittites were the Illuyanka myth, the Telepinu myth, the Kumarbi cycle, and the Song of Ullikummi.
Hattusha is a remarkable and unique site, that offers a glimpse into the ancient world of the Hittites, one of the most influential and mysterious civilizations in history. Visiting Hattusha independently is a rewarding and enriching experience, that allows you to explore the city at your own pace, and to discover its secrets and wonders. However, visiting Hattusha independently also requires some planning and preparation, as the site is not very well connected or serviced by public transport or tourism facilities.
Therefore, we have provided you with a comprehensive and updated guide to visiting Hattusha independently, covering all the aspects of transport, accommodation, food, and costs, as well as the best time to go, the things to bring, the places to avoid, and the safety precautions. We have also given you a detailed and informative description of the main attractions and features of Hattusha, and their historical and cultural significance. Moreover, we have included a brief and authoritative overview of the history and culture of Hattusha and the Hittite Kingdom, using reliable and authoritative sources.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Hattusha, and to learn more about the Hittites and their legacy. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to share them with us. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!
