Karatepe-Aslantaş Archaeological Site

One of my favorite spots in Turkey. It also seems to Iike a hidden gem. Previously the attempt was to inscribe along the national park which is now excluded, I don't see anything special about the forest anyway, and sadly this led to the authorities logging a big area of it.

When you get very close to the archeological site you will be in tranquility though. There is a picnic area first which may be popular in summer, but if you are here for the site it is beyond all that. Entrance is a measly Euro and includes a very small museum and the site itself of course.

I recommend going anticlockwise as you climb up first and have a break at the gate and lookout anyway. The statues and tablets from the late Hittite period are marvelous and I'm so happy they tried to place it into the original positions. There are also excellent signs to explain each major one. There is a small path to the peak of the hill but there are no remains to be seen. You can just enjoy the forest up there. As you continue the regular path you will get to the second gate with equally great statues and stone tablets. Hittite culture is so interesting.

While not a huge site the two gates alone are totally worth it, plus you get to spend time in the forest alongside the lake and maybe you also get spared the occasional loud …