Yazılıkaya
Archaeological Site Hittite rock sanctuary with well-preserved reliefs
Hittite rock sanctuary adjacent to ancient Hattusa featuring carved processional chambers and reliefs of gods and kings; visitors study the bas‑reliefs, interpret Hittite ritual space and combine visits with the nearby archaeological park.
Yazılıkaya is an open-air Hittite rock sanctuary northeast of the ancient capital Hattusa in Çorum Province, Turkey, notable for its large carved rock reliefs. It dates to the late Bronze Age and is closely associated with Hittite religious practices.
The site consists of two carved rock chambers that preserve reliefs of gods, goddesses and royal personages arranged in processional and ritual scenes. Chamber A contains the better-known procession of deities, while Chamber B preserves additional figures and motifs linked to Hittite cult activity.
Yazılıkaya served as a cultic and ceremonial sanctuary for the Hittite kingdom during the height of Hittite power in the second millennium BC; the reliefs are usually dated to around the 13th century BC. The site functioned in close relation to the capital Hattusa and its ritual landscape.
The sanctuary lies just outside the archaeological remains of Hattusa, near the modern village of Boğazkale in Çorum Province, central Anatolia, and is part of the Hattusa UNESCO World Heritage area.
- Date and layout: The sanctuary contains two open rock chambers with extensive Hittite reliefs dating to the late Bronze Age, around the 13th century BC.
- Proximity to Hattusa: Situated immediately adjacent to the Hittite capital Hattusa, the site is part of the broader Hattusa archaeological complex that is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
What to See #
- Chamber A: Chamber A is the larger open-air rock chamber featuring a long procession of carved deities and royal figures arranged along the rock walls.
- Chamber B: Chamber B is smaller and contains additional carved figures and reliefs, often interpreted as related cultic or seasonal rites.
How to Get to Yazılıkaya #
Yazılıkaya is the rock‑cut Hittite sanctuary next to the Hattusa archaeological site near the village of Boğazkale. From Boğazkale village the site is a short drive or about a 20-30 minute walk (roughly 1.5-2 km) along the local access road to the Hattusa/Yazılıkaya site. Boğazkale itself is reached by road from the provincial centre (Çorum) - roughly on the order of 80-100 km by car to the Boğazkale area.
Tips for Visiting Yazılıkaya #
- Go at first light or late afternoon so the oblique sunlight brings out the depth of the Hittite reliefs-midday wash can make the carvings hard to read.
- Combine Yazılıkaya with a visit to nearby Hattusa (the Hittite capital); the sanctuary is part of the same archaeological itinerary and is best seen on the same ticket day.
- Allow time for the short uphill walk from the Hattusa parking/ticket area and follow the marked path: many visitors miss smaller side chambers and reliefs beyond the main gallery.
Best Time to Visit Yazılıkaya #
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit to avoid the summer heat and to enjoy pleasant conditions and fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate near Yazılıkaya #
Yazılıkaya's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 11 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with 61 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
