Kayalipinar Samuha Hittite Ancient City Kayalıpınar is a village located approximately 50 kilometers from the city of Sivas, where archaeological excavations revealed the remains of an ancient Hittite settlement. Researchers suggest that this site corresponds to the city of Samuha, one of the significant urban centers of the Hittite civilization. Among the five unearthed Hittite settlements with known ancient names, the identification of Kayalıpınar as Samuha marks a notable archaeological breakthrough. Initially functioning as a modest market used by Assyrian merchants, Samuha evolved into a major hub of commerce during the 18th century BC. In 2014, archaeological digs revealed written records, including a tablet in the Old Assyrian language linked to a local Anatolian trader, offering new insights into the past of Samuha. Historical sources mention that around 1500 BC, Hittite King Telepinu established an official storage facility in Samuha. The city played a key role during the Hittite Kingdom period (17th–13th century BC), serving as a center from which several powerful Hittite kings governed the empire. The recovered tablets suggest that King Tuthaliya ruled the empire from Samuha in the 16th century BC, along with his palace officials, and passed away in the city. His son and heir, King Suppiluliuma I, also originated from Samuha. Excavations have uncovered numerous seals that once belonged to Hittite kings, royal family members, and high-ranking state officials. A carved limestone block, measuring approximately 1.2 meters in height and 1 meter in width, features a divine figure with a semi-conical headdress, holding a ceremonial cup and seated on a stool. A stone carving of a bird can be partially seen, although only about half of its form is preserved. Additionally, a sculpted chair shows a person seated, with an extra foot extending from behind. This type of relief is consistent with other known Hittite artworks and is believed to date back to around the 13th century BCE or earlier. The original limestone piece was transferred to the Sivas Museum, while a faithful reproduction was installed at the site where it was found. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Kayalıpınar Samuha Hittite Ancient City, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or send us a message on WhatsApp. We will get back to you as soon as we can.