The Hittite Way

The Hittite Way is an extensive hiking trail winding through the contemporary provinces of Çorum and Yozgat. This ancient pathway has been in use for millennia. In 2010, local authorities refined its course and enhanced its structure, with ongoing improvements continuing to this day.

The trail traces the footsteps of the ancient Hittite civilization, a powerful empire that thrived in central Anatolia from approximately 1600 to 1200 BCE. It links significant archaeological locations, including Hattusha, the former Hittite capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Alacahöyük.

This route, a blend of historical exploration, natural beauty, and regional traditions, allows trekkers to discover picturesque vistas and the enduring legacy of one of humanity’s earliest great civilizations. A sojourn through these ancient Anatolian territories promises to captivate travelers with its natural splendor and profound cultural heritage.

Spectacular Natural Sites Along the Path

The Hittite Way unfolds through breathtaking natural scenery, marked by dramatic canyons that slice through the land and serene valleys stretching under vast expanses of sky. Along this route, you’ll uncover the raw, unspoiled charm of rural Anatolia, with a rich historical tapestry woven into every mile.

• İncesu Canyon: A visually stunning natural spot on the route, boasting unique rock formations, walking paths, and remnants of past civilizations.
• Budaközü Valley: This tranquil valley offers an ideal setting for observing birds and immersing yourself in the trail’s pastoral vistas.

These two natural marvels, once pathways for ancient civilizations, now beckon you to press onward through the Anatolian terrain. As you journey through these landscapes, you’ll walk in the wake of history, enveloped by the enduring beauty that defines the region.

Discovering Ancient Hittite Treasures Along the Path

The Hittite Way offers an extraordinary journey through significant archaeological locations from the Hittite era. Key ancient sites found along the trail include:

• Hattusha: This former Hittite capital serves as the central point of the route, featuring impressive gateways such as the Lion Gate and King’s Gate, and providing direct access to the sacred Yazılıkaya sanctuary.
• Yazılıkaya: Situated just beyond Hattusa, this open-air rock sanctuary stands as one of the most revered Hittite religious sites, adorned with intricate carvings of deities and rulers.
• Alacahöyük: A crucial archaeological destination on the trail, renowned for its Sphinx Gate and the royal burial chambers dating back to both the Hatti and Hittite periods.
• Şapinuwa: This Hittite hub for administration and worship yielded thousands of cuneiform tablets, offering invaluable insights.
• Boğazköy Museum: Conveniently located on the route, this museum showcases artifacts unearthed from Hattusa and its neighboring ancient settlements.

More than just a hiking path, the Hittite Way is a remarkable corridor linking vital archaeological centers of the ancient Hittite civilization, traversing numerous important places that are integral to its course.

Visitors can explore the very places where these ancient peoples once resided, uncovering remnants that shed light on their everyday existence and cultural practices. While some discoveries remain in situ, artifacts recovered from these sites are also on display in city-center museums.

Beyond the Hittite Way, Anatolia’s rich cultural tapestry is further revealed through several noteworthy heritage paths. Upon concluding your journey along the trail, consider exploring these nearby archaeological treasures:

• Oluz Höyük (near Amasya): This layered tell, bearing Hittite influences, lies just outside the primary path but is situated within the wider geographical area.
• Kerkenes Remnants (near Yozgat): Discover the extensive Phrygian mountaintop settlement, a post-Hittite marvel, conveniently located in proximity to the region, though not directly on the main hiking route.
• Eflatunpınar (Konya): Venture south of the established route to witness this impressive Hittite spring sanctuary, a site rich in Hittite artistic and symbolic significance, though not geographically contiguous with the trekking itinerary.

As you journey, you’ll traverse charming hamlets, immersing yourself in the authentic rhythms of Anatolian existence. Guests are invited to savor home-cooked fare and witness the creation of artisanal goods, offering a glimpse into a vibrant, contemporary culture that coexists with the venerable Hittite legacy.

Local Flavors: Reside in community-run lodgings and sample authentic culinary creations like keşkek, hand-formed pasta, and hearth-baked loaves.

Artisan Creations: Engage with craftspeople engaged in the creation of woven fabrics, ceramic pieces, and stone carvings.

Community Celebrations: Participate in intimate cultural and natural gatherings that honor the Hittite past and the enduring customs of rural life.

Following a demanding yet exhilarating trek, this heartfelt reception will rejuvenate your spirit. This seamless fusion of bygone eras and the present moment transforms the Hittite Way from a mere historical expedition into a tangible encounter with Anatolia’s profound ancestral roots.

The Hittite Way, with its enduring vistas, transports travelers to the very core of ancient Anatolia. To fully appreciate its confluence of history, archaeological wonders, and natural beauty, embark on the paths that meander through the Hittite heartland.