Kültepe

Kültepe is an archaeological site located in Kayseri Province, Turkey. It is one of the most important sites for understanding the early Bronze Age in Anatolia and the presence of Assyrian traders in the region. The site consists of two main parts: a city mound, known as the "high city," and a lower town, which was inhabited by merchants.

Excavations at Kültepe have revealed extensive remains, most notably a large number of cuneiform tablets, often referred to as the Kültepe tablets. These tablets, dating primarily to the 20th and 19th centuries BCE, provide invaluable insights into the economic, social, and political life of the period. They document the activities of Assyrian merchants who established trading colonies at Kültepe, then known as Kanesh, and engaged in the exchange of goods such as tin, textiles, and metals. The tablets offer a unique perspective on international trade networks and intercultural interactions in the ancient Near East.

The archaeological evidence from Kültepe also includes the remains of urban structures, including houses, workshops, and administrative buildings. The site's strategic location on ancient trade routes contributed to its prosperity and its role as a major center of commerce and cultural exchange. Kültepe continues to be a significant focus of archaeological research, shedding light on a crucial period of Anatolian history.