Corum Guide

Corum: The Heart of Hittite Civilization

  Located in north-central Turkey, Corum is an archaeological paradise, home to ancient ruins, Hittite relics, and remarkable historical sites.

The Hittite Legacy in Corum

• Hittite Capital: Corum was once the heart of the Hittite Empire, one of the most powerful civilizations of the Bronze Age (2000-1200 BCE).
• Hattusa – UNESCO World Heritage Site: The former Hittite capital, featuring city walls, temples, and the famous Lion’s Gate.
• Alacahoyuk – The Hittite Royal Tombs: One of Turkey’s most important excavation sites, showcasing sun disks, bronze statues, and burial chambers.
• Bogazkale & Ortakoy: These ancient Hittite cities were central to trade, diplomacy, and culture in Anatolia.

Top Historical Sites in Corum

Hattusa – The Hittite Capital (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• The Great Temple: Dedicated to the Hittite storm god and sun goddess.
• The Lion’s Gate & King’s Gate: Massive stone gateways adorned with lion and warrior reliefs.
• Yazilikaya – The Open-Air Sanctuary: A religious complex with rock-cut carvings of Hittite deities.
• Ancient Cuneiform Tablets: The world’s first recorded peace treaty (Treaty of Kadesh, signed with Egypt) was found here.

Alacahoyuk – Turkey’s Oldest Archaeological Site

• Dating back 5,000 years, Alacahoyuk was a major religious and cultural center for both the Hittites and pre-Hittite civilizations.
• Hittite Royal Tombs: Burial chambers filled with gold, silver, and bronze treasures.
• Sun Disks & Reliefs: Unique symbols of Hittite kingship and mythology.

Corum Castle – A Blend of Byzantine & Ottoman Architecture

• Built on Byzantine foundations, the castle was expanded by the Ottomans.
• Offers a panoramic view of Corum city.

Ortakoy (Sapinuwa) – Hittite Military & Administrative Center

• A key military outpost, home to hundreds of cuneiform tablets detailing Hittite diplomacy and governance.
• Large storage rooms, palaces, and temples remain visible today.

Bogazkoy Museum – Home of Hittite Relics

• A small but rich museum displaying artifacts from Hattusa, Alacahoyuk, and Sapinuwa.
• Includes Hittite seals, statues, pottery, and weapons.

Corum’s Famous Cuisine

•   Leblebi (Roasted Chickpeas): Corum is Turkey’s top producer of delicious, crunchy leblebi – a must-try snack!
•   Etli Eksili Corba (Meat & Sour Soup): A traditional soup made with lamb, vegetables, and a sour yogurt-based broth.
•   Yufka (Thin Flatbread): Often served with cheese, butter, or honey from local beekeepers.

Where to Stay in Corum?

•   Luxury: Anitta Hotel – A comfortable stay with modern amenities and close to archaeological sites.
•   Mid-range: Feyzan Hotel – Offers authentic Turkish hospitality and a central location.
•   Budget: Sirin Hotel – Affordable yet cozy, ideal for history enthusiasts.

How to Get to Corum?

  By Air: The nearest airport is Amasya-Merzifon Airport (MZH), 66 km from Corum.

  By Train: No direct trains, but you can travel to Ankara, then take a bus.

  By Car: From Ankara (~3 hrs), From Istanbul (~6 hrs), From Samsun (~2 hrs)

Why Visit Corum?

• Explore the ruins of one of the world’s greatest ancient empires.
• See the world’s first recorded peace treaty at Hattusa.
• Discover royal tombs, temples, and rock carvings from the Bronze Age.
• Enjoy unique local delicacies like Leblebi (roasted chickpeas).

  A journey through Corum is a step back in time to the world of the Hittites!