Bogazkale

Bogazkale: A Hidden Gem of Turkey’s Hittite Heritage
Location: Corum Province, Black Sea Region, Turkey
Famous for: Hattusa, Alacahoyuk, and Bogazkale Museum
Best for: History lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, and nature explorers

Exploring the Ancient Wonders of Bogazkale

Hattusa (Hattusa) – The Hittite Capital

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ancient capital of the Hittite Empire (1600-1200 BC). Famous for massive city walls, Sphinx and Lion’s Gate, the Great Temple, and the Yazilikaya Rock Sanctuary. A must-see open-air museum, perfect for walking through history.

Alacahoyuk – The Neolithic & Hittite Settlement

6,500-year-old archaeological site. Pre-Hittite Royal Tombs, ancient temples, and massive city gates. Sphinx Gate replicas still stand on-site (originals in Ankara Museum). Golpinar Hittite Dam – One of the oldest dams in history.

Bogazkale Museum – Discover Hattusa’s Secrets

Houses artifacts from Hattusa and Alacahoyuk. See the twin Sphinxes, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and ancient Hittite tablets. Roman-period tombstones showcasing post-Hittite history

Yazilikaya Open-Air Temple – A Sacred Rock Sanctuary

Features reliefs of 63 Hittite gods, including Teshub, Hebat, and Sharruma. An open-air religious sanctuary used for ceremonies. Best visited in sunrise or sunset for a mystical experience

Bogazkoy-Alacahoyuk National Park

A protected natural and historical site. Home to Hattusa Sugar Spring (Seker Pinari) and Lion’s Gate (Aslanli Kapi). Ideal for nature walks, photography, and a peaceful break

What to Eat in Bogazkale?

• Corum Leblebisi – Famous roasted chickpeas, a great local snack
• Corum Kebabi – Slow-cooked lamb dish, popular in the region
• Bazlama & Gozleme – Traditional Turkish bread and stuffed pastries

How to Get to Bogazkale?

By Air: Amasya-Merzifon Airport (MZH) (66 km from Corum). Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) (~3-hour drive).

By Bus: Buses from Istanbul, Ankara, and Samsun to Corum. From Corum, take a minibus or taxi (~1 hour) to Bogazkale.

By Car: From Ankara: ~3 hours. From Istanbul: ~6 hours. From Samsun: ~2 hours.

Why Visit Bogazkale?

• Walk through the legendary city of Hattusa, one of the greatest ancient capitals.
• Visit Alacahoyuk and see the legacy of the Pre-Hittite and Hittite civilizations.
• Explore ancient rock carvings at Yazilikaya.
• Relax in the peaceful, nature-rich Bogazkoy-Alacahoyuk National Park.
• Experience local Turkish culture and cuisine in a historic setting.

Bogazkale is a must-visit for history buffs, archaeology lovers, and off-the-beaten-path adventurers!