The Royal Sacrifices of the Hittites

Firaktin Hittite Rock Relief

Gaze upon the sacred rituals of King Hattusili III and
the legendary Queen Puduhepa, carved into the eternal stone.

Explore the Relief

A Royal Dialogue with the Gods

The Firaktin Rock Relief (also known as Fraktin) is a masterpiece of Hittite art dating back to the 13th century BC. Located near the village of Gümüşören in the Develi district, south of Kayseri, this monument faces the majestic Mount Erciyes, which the Hittites worshipped as a sacred deity.

The relief is divided into three distinct sections. On the left, King Hattusili III is shown pouring a libation (a liquid offering) to the Weather God, Teshub. In the center, his powerful wife, Queen Puduhepa, performs a similar ritual for the Sun Goddess, Hebat. Puduhepa is depicted in her full priestess robes, reflecting her vital role in Hittite religion and politics.

Measuring 1.3 meters in height and 3.2 meters in width, the relief is not just a work of art but a historical record. It contains Luwian hieroglyphs that identify the figures, making it a critical site for understanding the late Hittite Empire and the deification of its rulers.

The Deified King

See Hattusili III wearing the pointed horned hat, a symbol of divinity usually reserved for gods.

Queen Puduhepa

Observe the likeness of one of history's most influential queens, daughter of a priest and signatory of the Kadesh Treaty.

Luwian Hieroglyphs

Read the ancient inscriptions naming the "Great King" and the "Great Queen, daughter of the land of Kizzuwatna."

Sacred Landscape

The relief overlooks a river valley, perfectly positioned for ancient religious ceremonies and libations.

Plan Your Historical Journey

Firaktin Relief – Quick Facts

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Location

Located in the Develi district of Kayseri, approximately 78km from the city center.

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Period

Hittite Empire Period (c. 1250 BC), likely during the reign of Tudhaliya IV.

Visit Duration

30 to 45 minutes to examine the details and the surrounding inscriptions.

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Relief State

The left side is finely detailed; the right side (Queen's side) is famously unfinished.


The Legacy of the Silver Treaty

Who were Hattusili III and Puduhepa?

Hattusili III is known for concluding the Eternal Treaty (Treaty of Kadesh) with Ramses II of Egypt, the world's first recorded peace treaty. However, at Firaktin, we see his spiritual side. The relief was likely commissioned by his son, Tudhaliya IV, to honor his parents as divine beings after their deaths.

Queen Puduhepa was far more than a consort. Born in Kizzuwatna (modern Cilicia), she was a high priestess who co-signed state documents and maintained her own diplomatic correspondence with the Egyptian Pharaoh. Her depiction here, offering wine to the goddess Hebat, underscores her status as the spiritual mother of the Hittite people.

The unfinished nature of the rightmost section of the relief adds a layer of mystery. Historians suggest work might have stopped due to sudden political changes or the death of the master sculptor. Today, it remains an evocative "sketch in stone" of a lost empire.

Visitor Tips

Firaktin is an open-air site. It provides a peaceful, raw experience for those who want to see history exactly where it was made.

How to Get There

From Kayseri, follow the signs for Develi and then toward the village of Gümüşören. A private car is necessary as public transport is limited.

Best Viewing Time

Early morning or late afternoon provides the best shadows to see the shallow carvings of the hieroglyphs clearly.

Combine Your Trip

Visit the Kayseri Archaeological Museum before or after your trip to see a concrete replica and related Hittite artifacts.

Site Access

The relief is carved into a rock wall along a small stream. There is no entrance fee, and the site is accessible year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the Kadesh Treaty here?

While Hattusili III signed the treaty, the original clay tablets are in Istanbul and Ankara. However, this relief depicts the same king who made that historic peace.

Is the relief protected?

The relief is in its original location in the open air. While there is no glass enclosure, it is a protected cultural heritage site under the Turkish Ministry of Culture.

Are there other Hittite reliefs nearby?

Yes! The İmamkulu Relief and the Hanyeri Relief are also located in the Kayseri region and can be visited on the same day trip.


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