The Symbol of Ankara: Hittite Sun Disc
Table Of Contents
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, has a place in our memories in many different ways. When it comes to the symbol of Ankara, one of the first things that comes to mind is the Hittite Sun Disc, but for some people, Anıtkabir and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk come to mind when Ankara is mentioned, while for others, it is the Ankara cat or the ministries. The Hittite Sun has also been used as the emblem of Ankara. Its symbolization of Ankara is also the result of a natural historical process.
There are even those who say Behzat Ç. from the popular TV series of recent years. The city's nightlife shaped by its unique casino culture and the exclamations of "La bebe" heard on its streets are just a few of the details that make Ankara unique.
In addition to being one of the important cities of Turkey with its lifestyle, culture, food and people, Ankara is also identified with the Hittite Sun Disc. This symbol, which has become the symbol of the city for almost half a century, can be seen in many places in Ankara.
It is even used as the emblem of Ankara University. When you arrive at Sıhhiye Square, one of the busiest squares in the city, the Hittite Sun Disc, which has a history of 4,250 years, will greet you. So what is the meaning of this symbol and why is it so important?
History and Meaning of the Hittite Sun Disc
The origin of this symbol dates back to the Hatti Civilization, a civilization even older than the Hittites. The Hatti Civilization, which lived between 2500-2000 BC, is known as one of the oldest civilizations in Anatolia. The Hittite Sun Disc was first discovered in the Alacahöyük excavations in Çorum and is actually a symbol of the Hatti culture.
This circular sun figure is decorated with deer, bird and tree motifs. The deer symbolizes peace, while the birds symbolize reproduction and fertility. This symbol was frequently used in the funerals of the Hatti kings and religious ceremonies.
The Hittite Sun, which has become the symbol of Ankara today, had great meaning for the Hatti people, one of the oldest civilizations in Anatolia, in the past. The symbol is not only an aesthetic figure, but also a heritage reflecting the peace and abundance beliefs of this ancient civilization.
Ankara and the Becoming of the Hittite Sun Disc as a Symbol
The Hittite Sun was officially accepted as the symbol of Ankara in 1973 by the then Ankara Mayor Vedat Dalokay. This symbol was further reinforced with the opening of the monument in Sıhhiye Square in 1978. Since that day, the Hittite Sun has become synonymous with Ankara and has become one of the symbols of the city. This symbol, which visitors to Ankara can frequently encounter on the streets today, is a reminder of Ankara's historical and cultural riches.
Exploring the Hittite Sun Disc in Ankara
You are likely to see the Hittite Sun Disc in many different places while traveling in Ankara. This symbol, which is connected to the city's historical texture and cultural past, carries the thousands of years of Anatolian heritage to the present day. When you see this symbol on Ankara's streets, squares and official buildings, don't forget that you are witnessing the traces of a civilization that came 4,250 years ago. The Hittite Sun continues to be a powerful symbol of Ankara's history and cultural richness.
How to Get to the Hittite Sun Disc Monument?
The Hittite Sun Disc Monument is located in Sıhhiye Square, one of the busiest and most central points of Ankara. It is very easy to reach this monument, because Sıhhiye can be reached by public transportation from many parts of Ankara.
Transportation by Public Transportation:
By Metro: You can get off at Kızılay or Ulus stations using the Ankara metro and walk to Sıhhiye Square in a short time. You can reach Kızılay station, especially by using the M1 line, and reach the monument with a short walk from there.
By Bus: You can use municipal buses going to Sıhhiye from many different districts of Ankara. You can easily reach Sıhhiye with EGO bus lines.
Click for Ankara Rail System Map
Minibuses: Sıhhiye minibuses, which depart from various parts of the city, are another easy way to get to the square where the monument is located.
If you want to go to the Hittite Sun Disc Monument with your private vehicle, you can follow the signs directing you from Kızılay and Ulus to Sıhhiye Square. There are areas where you can park around Sıhhiye Square.
Since the monument is at a central point of the city, it is easily accessible by both public transportation and private vehicles.
5 Historical and Touristic Places to Visit Near the Hittite Sun Disc Monument:
5 Historical and Touristic Places to Visit Near the Hittite Sun Disc Monument:
Anıtkabir: The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Anıtkabir attracts attention with both its architecture and history. Easily accessible from the city center, Anıtkabir is approximately 2 kilometers from the Hittite Sun Disc Monument.
Anatolian Civilizations Museum: The museum, where works belonging to many civilizations from the prehistoric periods of Anatolia are exhibited, offers a rich collection of Hittite, Phrygian and Urartian civilizations. The museum offers a history parallel to the history of the Hittite Sun and is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the monument.
Ankara Castle: This castle, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history, is one of the oldest structures in the city and offers a panoramic view of Ankara. Surrounded by antique dealers and handicraft shops, the castle is approximately 2 kilometers from the Hittite Sun Disc Monument.
Ethnography Museum: The museum, where works related to Turkish culture and Anatolian folk life are exhibited, has a rich collection of objects from the Ottoman and Seljuk periods. This important museum is located just 800 meters away from the Hittite Sun Monument.
1. Turkish Grand National Assembly Building (War of Independence Museum): This first assembly building, where the foundations of the Republic of Turkey were laid, serves as a museum today as the place where important decisions of the War of Independence were made. It is located approximately 1.2 kilometers from the Hittite Sun Disc Monument.
You can check out GeziBilen's thematic routes to further explore all aspects of Ankara.
