Alacahoyuk

Alacahoyuk: A Glimpse into the Ancient Hittite Civilization

Located in Corum Province, Alacahoyuk is one of Turkey’s most significant archaeological sites, dating back to 4500 BC.

A Historical Overview

• Alacahoyuk was a major Hittite city, flourishing during the Bronze Age.
• It was first excavated in 1907, revealing pre-Hittite royal tombs, gold treasures, and intricate carvings.
• The site is located 40 km from Corum and just 35 km from Hattusa, the Hittite capital.
• It was first discovered in 1835 by W.C. Hamilton, with further excavations by French and Turkish archaeologists throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Iconic Sphinx Gates

• The Main Gate (South Gate): Features two sphinxes, believed to have been placed to ward off enemies and evil spirits.
• The Western Gate: The castle walls bear reliefs depicting goddesses in war stances, emphasizing the Hittite’s militaristic society.
• The original sphinx statues are now displayed in the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, while replicas remain at the site.

Major Archaeological Discoveries

Royal Tombs (Pre-Hittite Era, c. 3000 BC)

• Extravagant burial sites were discovered, containing:
  • Gold and bronze artifacts
  • Intricate sun disks (Hittite religious symbols)
  • Weapons, jewelry, and animal sculptures
• These tombs belonged to the Hattian civilization, the predecessors of the Hittites.

Alacahoyuk Hittite Dam (Golpinar Dam, c. 1200 BC)

• Built during the reign of Tudhaliya IV.
• One of the oldest known dams in history.
• Features Hittite hieroglyphics dedicated to the goddess Hepat, a major deity in Hittite mythology.

Nearby Attractions

Hattusa – The Hittite Capital (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Just 35 km away, Hattusa is home to:
  • The Great Temple
  • The Lion’s Gate
  • The King’s Gate
  • The Yazılıkaya Open-Air Sanctuary

Bogazkoy Museum

• Located in Bogazkale, this museum houses artifacts from Alacahoyuk and Hattusa.
• Includes cuneiform tablets, statues, and relief carvings.

What to Eat in Corum?

• Leblebi (Roasted Chickpeas) – Corum’s most famous snack!
• Etli Eksili Corba – A tangy soup with lamb and vegetables.
• Yufka Bread – Traditional thin Turkish bread, best enjoyed with local honey.

How to Get to Alacahoyuk?

By Air: Amasya-Merzifon Airport (MZH) (66 km from Corum). From Ankara’s Esenboga Airport, take a bus (~3 hrs).

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

By Bus: Regular buses run from Ankara to Corum, followed by a local minibus to Alacahoyuk.

Why Visit Alacahoyuk?

• See Turkey’s oldest archaeological site with ruins dating back 4500 BC.
• Explore the Hittite Sphinx Gates, Royal Tombs, and one of the oldest dams in history.
• Discover ancient gold artifacts, sun disks, and cuneiform inscriptions.
• Combine your visit with a trip to Hattusa, the former Hittite capital.

A must-visit destination for history lovers and archaeology enthusiasts!