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“Hattians” are known as the most ancient civilization in Anatolian History, which lived in central Anatolia between 2500-2000 BC. Hattians were absorbed by “Hittites” which had been the greatest civilization lived in Anatolia till around 1200 BC.
The Sun Disk was found in 1935 during archaeological excavations in Alacahöyük, which is an important archeological site situated in Çorum province of Turkey. The Sun Disk, which is made from bronze material, is being indicated as an important symbolic artifact of Hattians period that was made 300 years before Hittites came to Anatolia. It was used in religious ceremonies by Hattians about 4250 years ago from today.
Round sphere forming The Sun Disk symbolizes the earth or the sun. Pointed edges on the top of the disk symbolize, reproduction of nature and fertility. The meaning the two horn-like figures on the disk is not exactly known yet. In some other sun disks, deer figures which symbolize peace as well as bird and tree figures which symbolize fertility and freedom in nature are also existent. It is known that, when Hattian kings died, they were buried together with 4 or 5 sun disk symbols.
Today The Sun Disk, is one of the most common and influential symbols of Anatolia and modern Turkish culture. It is the current symbol of Ankara University, in the past years it was also used as the symbol of Ankara, the capital of Turkey. During the archaeological excavations in Alacahöyük a number of sun disks have been found. Today, they are being exhibited in Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, in Ankara, Turkey. The Museum, which was awarded European Museum of the Year in 1997, sheds light on Anatolian culture and human history with its unique collection that is being exhibited in chronogical order.
References
Ministry of Culture and Tourism (2019) Ankara - Anatolian Civilizations Museum [online] Available from: https://www.ktb.gov.tr/EN-113893/ankara---anatolian-civilizations-museum.html (Accessed: 24 August 2019)
Ankara University (2019) The Sun Disk [online] Available from: https://www.ankara.edu.tr/kurumsal/tanitim/gunes-kursu/ (Accessed: 24 August 2019)
Antique History Platform (2019) Hittites, Hattians and Sun Disks [online] Available from: http://www.antiktarih.com/2018/12/10/hititler-hattiler-ve-gunes-kurslari/ (Accessed: 23 August 2019)
Turkey Culture Portal (2019) Museum of Anatolian Civilizations [online] Available from: https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/ankara/gezilecekyer/anadolu-medenyetler-muzes (Accessed: 23 August 2019)
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