SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF THE EFLATUNPINAR AND FASILLAR HITTITE MONUMENTS USING GIS

Abstract

Hittite Empire (13th c. BC) preferred open-air temples, centered around the Tarhuntassa region and the Beyşehir basin, which are estimated to be within the borders of the modern Konya province. The Eflatunpınar and Fasıllar monuments are open-air temples in this region and they are still standing almost 2000 years although they are worn out. The Eflatunpınar monument was included in the temporary UNESCO World Heritage list in 2014. Fasıllar monument, the depictions of mountain god and lions stand out culturally. The aim of this study is to investigate the reasons for the site selection of the Eflatunpınar and Fasıllar monuments while also taking into account the lifestyle and the settlement forms of the Hittites. In the research process, the features of the monuments and their spatial relations with their surroundings and with each other were analysed through maps with the help of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It was determined that the reasons behind the site selection of these monuments were the land use structure, water and the thought to sacralize it, and the need to reflect the magnificence of the political power and possess strategic transportation routes.