Explore the Map
Karatepe
37.2957° N, 36.2539° E
About
Karatepe (Turkish, 'Black Hill'; Hittite: Azatiwataya) is a late Hittite fortress and open-air museum in Osmaniye Province in southern Turkey lying at a distance of about 23 km from the district center of Kadirli. It is sited in the Taurus Mountains, on the right bank of the Ceyhan River. The site is contained within Karatepe-Aslantaş National Park.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Azatiwata ruling estimates
early 8th to early 7th century BC
Karatepe bilingual inscription
8th century BC
Hittite Empire collapse
late 12th century BC
Oriental Institute survey
1936
Excavations by Helmuth Theodor Bossert
1947–1957
Later archaeological work and restoration
late 1990s
Mars namesake
2004
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Defensive Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
More Sites in Turkey
Carchemish
Ancient capital ruins on the Euphrates, Turkey–Syria border
Çadır Höyük
Artificial mound settlement in Yozgat Province, Turkey
Tilmen Hoyuk
Bronze Age city mound in southern Turkey
Larissa Phrikonis
Aeolian city ruins in western Turkey
Marmara (Lycia)
Sheer rock acropolis with temple remains.
Blaundus
Hellenistic city ruins in western Anatolia, Turkey