Kültepe Kanesh Karum Archaeological Site

Description

Kültepe Kanesh Karum Archaeological Site, located in Kocasinan district of Kayseri, is an important Bronze Age trade center famous for its cuneiform tablets, which are the oldest written documents in Anatolia.

Story

Kültepe Kanesh Karum Archaeological Site, located in Kayseri's Kocasinan district, is considered the land where the written history of Anatolia began, holding a significant place on the stage of history. This ancient city became one of Anatolia's largest and most important commercial and political centers, especially in the early 2nd millennium BCE during the Old Assyrian Trade Colonies Period (Karum Period). Kültepe comprises the mound part of the settlement (Kanesh) and the lower city around it, the Karum, where Assyrian merchants lived and traded. Kültepe's worldwide fame comes from the tens of thousands of cuneiform tablets found here. These tablets meticulously reveal the commercial, legal, and social relations between Assyrian merchants and local kingdoms in Anatolia. Priceless information about the economy, legal system, social structure, and even daily life of that period has been obtained from these tablets. Excavations at Kültepe have reached a cultural deposit exceeding twenty meters, containing continuous settlement traces from the Early Bronze Age to the Roman Period. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the superimposed traces of different civilizations while wandering through the mound's layers. In the excavation area, foundations of houses, shops, and public buildings of that era, along with some restored sections, can be seen. Kültepe's inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List further certifies its value in terms of cultural heritage. This archaeological site is not just a pile of stones but like a living memory shedding light on the early history of Anatolia and the Near East. Visitors stepping here can feel the sound of trade caravans, the noise of bargaining, and the breath of an ancient civilization from thousands of years ago. Visiting Kültepe means taking a journey into the depths of history, witnessing Anatolia's first written laws, contracts, and letters. The site serves as an open-air museum, spread over a large area, offering visitors a unique experience with its historical atmosphere.

Visit Tips

• Before visiting the archaeological site, you might consider taking a tour with a local guide to learn about its history; this will make your experience more meaningful.
• Check the visiting hours, as the archaeological site may be closed on certain days during some periods, so plan your visit accordingly.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes with you, as suitable footwear is required to walk around the archaeological site.
• Plan to visit here at sunset; both the crowds will decrease and magnificent lighting conditions will arise for taking photos.

Photos