Recent archaeological excavations at Kayalıpınar, known as an ancient Hittite city, have uncovered evidence suggesting a history dating back approximately 17,000 years. Under the direction of Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Maner from Koç University, the excavation season commenced on July 4, 2023, with the approval of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The findings include significant remnants from the periods of ancient Assyrian trade colonies, Hittites, Romans, and Byzantines, such as architectural structures and seal impressions. Prof. Maner noted that stone tools discovered during the ongoing research since 2022 have been identified as belonging to the Paleolithic era.
Additionally, evidence from the Neolithic era has been found, underscoring the historical importance of the site. Maner stated, “No settlement or artifact trace from that era has been detected in the Kızılırmak Valley; however, the findings allow us to push back Kayalıpınar's history further.”
The archaeological team has revealed that the stone age artifacts could date back to around 15,000 BCE, indicating that Kayalıpınar is one of the oldest settlement areas in the region. While earlier inhabitants lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, the area evolved into a significant trade center during the ancient Assyrian trade colonies.
Furthermore, Kayalıpınar served as a temporary capital during the Hittite period, where kings resided and priests were trained, according to cuneiform documents.
One notable discovery is the temple of Ishtar, the sister of the Hurrian storm god Tešup, which has been highlighted as one of the most important temples in the region since the ancient Assyrian period. Prof. Maner emphasized that the temple continued to exist during the Hittite period and later evolved into a shrine for Šavuška, indicating the site's enduring significance.
Excavations have also uncovered significant church structures. In 2022, the team commenced a trench dubbed 'A,' where previous findings indicated a monumental Hittite structure. This year, cuneiform tablets related to the Ishtar festival were uncovered, suggesting that the site may have been dedicated to Ishtar and Šavuška.
Emre Kuruçayırlı, the excavation's deputy director from Boğaziçi University, noted a focus on northern trenches this year to reveal wall structures potentially related to the temple. He stated, “We preferred to concentrate here to uncover the remaining parts of the building.” In their new findings, stone wall structures, stone foundations, and adobe structures have emerged.
Kayalıpınar, recognized as the Hittite second capital of Samuha, is expected to yield further discoveries in the upcoming 2024 season, including seal impressions and fragments of two broken Hittite cuneiform tablets.