May 7th - Bogazkale (Hittite sites of Hattusas)

After almost two days of traveling, we are thrilled to finally be exploring Turkey. We left the hotel about 8:15 for a three hour drive to the Hittite sites of Hattusas (now called Bogazkale). The drive while long, was absolutely fascinating. We traveled through mountains and valleys, dotted with communities ranging from modern structures, to rock homes with red tile roofs. 

We passed a large industrial region, lucious green farm lands, and finally arrived at Hattusas.  Initially the home of indigenous Hatti people as early as 2000 BC, it became the capital of the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age.  Hittities are mentioned in the Bible as early as Genesis in the land of Canaan, but many believe they are not the same as the Hattis or Indo-Europeans that came to Asia Minor in 1900 BC.  This, combined with a lack of evidence of the Hittites Empire led some to believe this was evidence of inaccuracies in the Bible.  It is now believed that the word translated as Hittities in the earliest books of the Bible were Hethities, who originated in the land of Cannan, not in Turkey where we are today. In 1906, archaeologists began to uncover the Hittite civilization at Boghazkoy (now Bogazkale). The Hittites had numerous contacts with the people of the Bible, especially during the period of the United and Divided Kingdom (Josh. 1:4; Jud. 1:26; 1 Kings 10:29; 11:1; 2 Kings 7:6). At the height of their power, the Hittites were strong and controlled a large portion on Asia Minor.  Perched attop a towering mountain range, this city had numerous temples, residential structures, and was surrounded by massive walls, a portion of which has been reconstructed. 

As the bus climbed higher and higher up the hill, we explored several gates that were entry points into the city. We stopped at the Lion, Sphinx, and King's Gates.  

Ernestine and Dan, with whom I've traveled several times, are in front of the Lion Gate.

Later we stopped at the open air sanctuary of Yazilikaya where the Hittite gods are depicted in relief on the rock. 

During our journey today we had the pleasure of interacting with several Turkish people.  Orhan, our guide, talked with lady was picking "salad greens" in a field. It looked like weeds to us but we learned they are used to flavor the water in which she cooks couscous.

Later we met a shepherd that introduced us to Anatolian sheep dogs that protect the flock from wolves. 

We had a facinating day learning about the ancient civilizations of the Old Testament and experiencing the culture of the natives that make Turkey their home today.  Come back tomorrow for more adventures,