Fasıllar Hittite Rock Monument
Travel Point Overview
Located in Fasıllar Village in Konya’s Beyşehir district, the Fasıllar Hittite Rock Monument is considered one of the largest rock monuments in the world. Also known as the Kurt Beşiği Monument, this massive sculpture was commissioned by Hittite King Muwa
Fasıllar Hittite Rock Monument – Konya
📍 Location: Beyşehir, Konya
🏛 Period: 13th century BC (Hittite Empire)
👤 Commissioned by: Hittite King Muwatalli
🗿 Also Known As: Kurt Beşiği Monument
One of the Largest Rock Monuments in the World
Located in Fasıllar Village in Konya’s Beyşehir district, the Fasıllar Hittite Rock Monument is considered one of the largest rock monuments in the world. Also known as the Kurt Beşiği Monument, this massive sculpture was commissioned by Hittite King Muwatalli (1295-1272 BC). A remarkable reflection of Hittite art and religious beliefs, this monument, although lying horizontally today, is believed to have originally been designed as a vertical structure.
Features of the Fasıllar Monument
🗿 Size and Structure
🔹 Dimensions: 2.25 x 2.75 x 8.30 meters.
🔹 Carved into a massive 72-ton rock block.
🔹 Figures are carved on a 20-square-meter surface of the rock.
👑 Depicted Figures
🔹 The monument features two deity figures, one large and one smaller.
🔹 A pair of lion reliefs is carved beside the lower deity figure.
🔹 These depictions provide valuable insight into Hittite mythology and religious rituals.
📜 Connection to the Battle of Kadesh
🔹 Experts believe that the monument depicts the famous Battle of Kadesh (1274 BC) between the Hittites and the Egyptians.
🔹 The Battle of Kadesh was one of the largest battles between the Hittites and Egyptians and led to the world’s first known written peace treaty (Kadesh Treaty).
🔍 Planned Purpose of the Monument
🔹 Some unfinished details suggest that this monument was meant to be erected in a prominent location for visibility.
🔹 However, for unknown reasons, the project was never completed, and the monument remains in a horizontal position today.
🏛 Replica at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
🔹 A replica of the Fasıllar Monument is exhibited at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara.
🔹 This allows visitors to closely examine this impressive example of Hittite artistry.
Historical and Cultural Significance
📌 Hittite Artistic and Religious Heritage
🔹 The Hittites expressed their devotion to their gods through rock-carved monuments.
🔹 The Fasıllar Monument is one of the largest and most striking examples of this tradition.
📌 Hittite Traces in Konya and Beyşehir
🔹 The Hittites established a powerful empire in Anatolia, and the Konya-Beyşehir region was part of their domain.
🔹 The Fasıllar Monument and other Hittite ruins in the Beyşehir region reveal the deep Hittite influence in this area.
📌 Touristic Importance
🔹 For history and archaeology enthusiasts, the Fasıllar Monument is a must-visit site.
🔹 Its sheer size and intricate carvings provide visitors with a fascinating experience.
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Fasıllar Village, Beyşehir – Konya
🛣 How to Get There: Around 30 minutes by private vehicle from Beyşehir town center
🎟 Entrance: Free
📌 Nearby Attractions:
✔ Beyşehir Lake and National Park
✔ Kubadabad Palace
✔ Eflatunpınar Hittite Water Monument
Conclusion: A Monumental Witness to Hittite Heritage
🔹 The Fasıllar Hittite Rock Monument is one of the largest rock monuments in Anatolia, showcasing Hittite artistic and religious beliefs.
🔹 Commissioned by Hittite King Muwatalli, this monument holds great historical significance, particularly due to its reliefs believed to depict the Battle of Kadesh.
🔹 It is a must-see for anyone looking to explore the rich Hittite heritage in Beyşehir and its surroundings! 🏺✨
