Alishar Mound
Alişar Mound, which is silent in Yozgat but draws attention with its historical richness, Yozgat It is located 45 km southeast of the province, north of Alişar village. Surrounded by natural beauties, this archaeological site is one of the largest mounds in Anatolia with its height and width. Travel enthusiasts looking for a historical discovery journey can experience the magnificence of this large mound and the surrounding pastoral village views. For those who want to get away from the modern world and follow the steps of past civilizations, Alişar is like an open-air museum.
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Alişar Mound's Thousand Years of Historical Journey
Alişar Mound is not just a settlement, but also a city that has witnessed every period of history. Traces of settlement that began in the 4th millennium BC continued from the Copper Age to the Iron Age. This settlement, which was a small village in the early periods, turned into a city surrounded by walls over time and became one of the most important cities in the region in the 3rd millennium BC. Visitors can see traces of developments throughout history wherever they step in this mound. Travel lovers will have the chance to discover Alişar's story from ancient times to the modern age.
Anitta's Traces: Chasing a Legend
One of the most dramatic periods in the history of Alişar Mound begins with the Hittite King Anitta invading this city. Anitta, as a legendary leader, captured many cities and there are written records of the capture of a city called Kussar. Alişar is thought to be this city. After Anitta's invasion, the city suffered great destruction and disappeared from the stage of history for a while. For travel enthusiasts, Alişar is an opportunity to follow Anitta's legendary footsteps and witness this history. While walking here, they will feel the atmosphere of a city that once remained in the shadow of a great kingdom.
Turning Point in History: The Late Bronze Age and the Phrygians
Between 1400-1200 BC, the fate of Alişar Mound was reshaped. Alişar, a provincial town of the Hittite Empire, became a settlement protected by large walls and underground roads, standing out with its defensive strategies in the Late Bronze Age. For travelers, this period of Alişar is a perfect opportunity to examine the military architecture of ancient times by exploring ancient walls and towers. This region, which came under the rule of the Phrygians in the 12th century BC, bears traces of Phrygian culture. The nearby city of Kerkenes is known as the place where the Phrygians established a powerful city-state, and for those visiting Alişar, the connection between these two cities offers an exciting historical journey of discovery.
Discoveries and Archaeological Excavations in Alişar Mound
For those who want to get to know Alişar Mound more closely, the history of the excavations is also quite interesting. The first excavations, led by Hans Henning von der Osten from the University of Chicago between 1927 and 1932, brought the history deep in Alişar to light. The remains found here are from the Anatolian Civilizations MuseumAfter visiting the mound, travelers can visit the museum to observe the artifacts found in Alişar and experience history as a whole. Excavations resumed in 1992 and are currently being continued by the University of Chicago team led by Ronald Gorny. You can have the opportunity to learn more about these excavations during your visit.
Ancient Architectural Development of Alişar Mound
The first settlement of Alişar Mound (3200-2600 BC) has the appearance of a very simple and modest village. With its houses with a quadrangular plan, adobe walls and flat roofs, this early settlement has a very simple structure. Travelers can find clues about the lifestyle of the period by observing these archaic house structures. Over time, the city grew, turned into a city surrounded by walls, and developed defense strategies with wide-plan castle gates, underground roads and towers. Visitors to the city can see the development of these periods on site and witness the evolution of ancient architecture.
A Cultural Journey in Alişar Mound: From Hittites to Phrygians
Alişar Mound became a center where Hittite and Phrygian cultures lived together between 1200-700 BC. During this period, the lower part of the city lost its importance, but the Phrygians rebuilt the inner castle and turned it into a defense center. Travelers can learn more about the Hittite and Phrygian cultures by walking among the ruins that bear traces of this period. Excavations in the mound have brought to light traces of this cultural union.
Forgotten Ages of Alişar Mound
After the Phrygian period, Alişar Mound lost its importance over time. Although settlements were seen in the Medes, Persians, Hellenistic, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans, very few remains have been found from these periods. However, this does not mean that the mound has lost its interest for travelers. While visiting this ancient mound, travelers can discover how the settlement has changed over the centuries and the traces of the societies of the period. Alişar is the silent witness of civilizations lost in the depths of history and offers its visitors the opportunity to be a part of this historical journey.
Alişar Mound Travel Guide: Journey to the Past
Alişar Mound is a gem waiting to be discovered for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. This historical site, intertwined with the peaceful nature of Yozgat, allows you to travel back in time. While planning your visit to the mound, you can also find the opportunity to explore the natural beauties and historical sites around Yozgat. Alişar offers not only archaeological excavations, but also a deep understanding of the ancient history of Anatolia.
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