Hittite Sun Disk Sculpture

Description

The Hittite Sun Disk Sculpture, located in Sıhhiye Square in Ankara, is a symbolic representation of the Hittite civilization.

Story

The Hittite Sun Disk Sculpture, located in Sıhhiye Square in the center of Ankara, is a monumental work that has become one of the city's important symbols. This sculpture is actually an enlarged replica of the original Hittite Sun Disk exhibited in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. The original sun disk, belonging to the Hittite civilization and thought to have been used in religious ceremonies, dates back to 2500-2000 BC, the Early Bronze Age. The sculpture itself was created in 1978 by the Turkish sculptor Nusret Suman. The placement of this monument emphasizes the importance the Republic of Turkey attaches to the ancient civilizations of Anatolia and the role of this heritage in the formation of national identity. The Hittite Sun Disk is full of elements symbolizing the Sun cult, fertility, and the cycle of life in Hittite cosmology and religious beliefs. The birds, deer, and other symbols on the disk reflect the Hittites' deep connection with nature and the importance of animal figures in religious rituals. This magnificent monument in Sıhhiye Square is not only a visual part of Ankara but also serves as a bridge carrying the cultural and artistic achievements of the Hittites from thousands of years ago to the present day. Visitors can...

Visit Tips

• You can visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations nearby to see original Hittite artifacts.
• Consider visiting the sculpture in the evening when it becomes more magnificent with its lighting.
• You can take a short break and relax in the green areas around the sculpture.
• As it is located in the central part of Ankara, you can easily reach it by public transport.
• You can make your visit more meaningful by learning about the symbolic meanings of the sculpture and Hittite culture beforehand.

Photos