DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT OF TURKEY AND TOURIST PLACES

DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT OF TURKEY AND TOURIST PLACES

TURKEY "Cradle of Civilization" is called .. Date of foreigners to travel to this country and this statement can see what it means ..

Earth's first residential unit .. A city at Çatalhöyük .. date back to 6.500 BC .. that time until now, Turkey has hosted an extremely rich history,

and it left an indelible mark .. Hundreds of years of our civilization in the modern cultural heritage has brought Turkey into a haven of information and culture .. The Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians, Lydians, Ionians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans .. All of Turkish history have made significant contributions .. and the historic ruins scattered all over the country side lines of each unique exhibits of civilization .. Date of Turkey is situated close to a very charming at the same time .. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, as a professional soldier and as big as a double vision, a young man named Mustafa Kemal, the defeat of the First World War by throwing his native country on behalf of all the invader forces of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, October 29, 1923 transformed a brilliant victory in the Republic of Turkey ' ni unequivocally established his and his country a great economic progress and modernization have helped the peace and tranquility. Nearly 100 years later, this pride still live in Turkey .. "Peace at home, Peace in the World" slogan ....

(((Geographical and Political Location. Geopolitical position of Turkey is one of the world's most strategic countries, "Old World Lands of the" so-called Asia, at the crossroads of Europe and Africa. Between Eastern and Western civilizations, as well as the only bridge between all religions.

Turkey, on three sides, into the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and the Aegean linked to the oceans. The whole world is like a neighbor and throughout history has been a great center of trade and migration routes. The Black Sea is an inland sea through the Straits and the Marmara is very important to the world of water pass through. The east, Georgia, Armenia, Nakhichevan and Iran in the west, Bulgaria and Greece to the south borders with Syria and Iraq.

Erciyes Mountain - KAYSERI

The United Nations, the Council of Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), which is a member of various organizations, such as Turkey, also a candidate for EU membership.

Area and Surface Formations. Turkey's land area similar to a rectangle 814 578 km ². And all of its neighbors except Iran, is greater than all European countries except the Russian Federation. Its total area is 3% of the territory of Thrace on the European continent, while 97% make up the territory in Asia is called Anatolia.

2875 km length of Turkey's land borders, sea borders length of 8.333 km, width is about 550 km and the length is about 1,500 km.

36-42 degrees North latitude, lies between 26-45 degrees East boy-slides and the time difference between eastern and western is 76 minutes.

Surface shapes of all types and ages of geologically high and mountainous country, Turkey, with an average altitude of 1132 meters, the highest continent Asia (1010 m), even higher. Surrounded by high mountains in the north and south. North Anatolian Mountains in the north, along the Black Sea in the south the Taurus Mountains, Turkey's high elevation characteristics. The Kaçkar Hill for the North Anatolian Mountains, is the highest point, followed by the Ilgaz Mountains and Köroğlu. Marmara Region Samanli Mountains, Uludag, Strandja Mountains and the Tekirdag, Aegean Region, Kozak, Yunt and Aydin Mountains in the Central Anatolia Kızıldağ, Hasan Mountain, Enoch, Apple and Ayas Mountains, Southeastern Anatolia and the Karacadağ, Raman Mountain is located. 5,137 m Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest mountain, and his next big Süphan an extinct volcanic mountain in Eastern Anatolia, Nemrut and Alacadag.

Turkey, seas, rivers and plains areas are rich in agriculture and raising livestock. Northern and southern mountain ranges, separated from each other by the wide plains of central Anatolia. Bafra the most fertile plains in the Black Sea Region, Wednesday, and Merzifon Plains in the Central Anatolia Konya Plain, in the Mediterranean region of Cukurova, Mus Plain in Southeastern Anatolia, Aegean Region, Bakırçay, Gediz, Large and Small Meander Plains' is.

Cilo Sat Mountains - Hakkari

Turkey, one of the world's major earthquake zones within the Alpine-Himalayan zone and along the North Anatolian fault has experienced eight major earthquakes since 1939.

Streams and Lakes. Turkey, among the richest countries in terms of streams and lakes. Energy production capabilities are the largest of the river basins in the Black Sea Basin is directed.

The distance from the sea, from sea level, and mountain ranges such as the presence of significant climatic differences are observed among the regions. Mediterranean, Aegean and Marmara Region, south the summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild and rainy climate of the Mediterranean is evident. Population

Turkey is a country with a young population.

Turkey is a country with a young population.

According to the 2000 census, a total of 67 million 844 thousand people live in Turkey by the end of 2005, the population is estimated to be 72 million. The population is approximately 13 million, 600 thousand in 1927, a fivefold increase in 73 years. 1990-2000 period, the annual population growth rate was 18.3 per thousand. The period 2000-2010 this percentage to 14.47 ‰ is expected to drop. According to the 2010 census is due next year, mid-year population is estimated to be 76.5 million.

According to the 1975 census, 41.81% of the population of 58% in rural and urban areas, while the 2000 population of 33.6 million women and 34.2 million were males. Turkey is a country with a young population. The total population, 28.7% percent 0-14 age group, 65.95% percent of 15-64 age group and only 5.96% percent group, and is the parent of 65 years of age. However, the share of total population in the 0-14 age group in the EU countries and Turkey 17.2%, nearly half of the 65 + age group is three times the rate of 15.7% and Turkey.

Language. The official language of Turkey is Turkish, and 90% of the population speaks Turkish. Turkey's Turkish is a Ural-Altaic agglutinative language, immigration differentiated and has evolved over time. Turkey's Turkish, Arabic and Persian, Ottoman, the Republic had adapted many modern form of the word. This language, Azerbaijani and Turkmen along with 11 form of the Oghuz dialects known since the eighteenth century.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the new Turkish alphabet in Kayseri

show application.

Turkish, between 4000 languages ​​spoken in the world today the seventh most widely spoken language and is spoken by over 200 million people.

Turks, 8 They used many different alphabets since the century, but for the longest time Göktürk, Uigur, Arabic and Latin alphabets have finally. To reach the target level of contemporary civilization, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1928, instead of the Arabic alphabet, Turkish phonetics has prepared in accordance with the adoption of the Latin alphabet.

Ataturk, in 1932, the Turkish language from Arabic and Persian words in order to purify requested the establishment of the Turkish Language Research Association. The association subsequently the name of the Turkish Language Society, has taken important steps in the formation of contemporary Turkish. Turkish Language Association in 1983, was acquired by the Atatürk High Institution of Culture, Language and History. As a result of these studies, Atatürk's language reform of public goods and before 1932, the Turkish words used in the written language, 35-40% rate today has reached 75% of 80. (((Geographical Regions These are in order of size; Eastern Anatolia Region (21%), Central Anatolia Region (20%), the Black Sea Region (1%, the Mediterranean Region (15%), Aegean Region (10%), Marmara Region (8.5%) and South-East Anatolia Region (7.5%), respectively.

Turkey, natural, human and economic factors, in terms, in 1941 the "1st Turkey Geography Congress "is divided into seven geographical regions.

Marmara Region

The name of the Marmara Sea region, is located in the northwestern corner of Turkey and the surface area of ​​67.000 km ². The Black Sea, Marmara and Aegean seas neighbor. Istanbul and the Dardanelles Strait in both Asia and Europe in this region and lands. Located off the coast of the Aegean islands of Bozcaada and Gökçeada (Imbros) is also of this region. According to the 2000 census, the population of the region of 17 million 365 thousand 027 increased. Of this population, 13 million 730 thousand 962'si cities, 3 million 634 thousand 065'i live in villages. With the highest population growth rate of 26.69 ‰, the region is a constant migration.

Istanbul - Bursa - İzmit axis industrial measures of central location in the Marmara region of Turkey with industry and commerce as well as tourism is also an important source of income.

Of industrial goods produced in the region, processed foods, textiles, garments, cement, pulp and paper, petrochemical products, automobiles and spare parts, metal and electrical goods are among the leading railway cars and ships.

The shortest highways linking Europe and Asia and the Black Sea to the Mediterranean countries in a separate maritime superiority earned passing through the region, the development of the area, population and enrichment has led to. Region which has hosted many civilizations for centuries, the world's most important historical buildings and natural beauty, culture, arts and tourism has been one of the centers.

Anadolu Hisar - ISTANBUL

A World City: Istanbul, Turkey. The accumulation of the past 8000 years, the historic sites, museums, palaces, city walls, mansions, natural beauty and religious centers in Istanbul, every taste and every request can be satisfied, leading a tolerance, the focus of a synthesis.

Istanbul, both population and area covered, as well as economy, trade, culture, in terms of capital and the largest city of Turkey. In addition, nearly half of the income tax paid to the state, the city and its environs is provided. With the largest import port of Istanbul, the country with the starting point of sea routes connecting the airline's largest hub, and the other countries of the world. European and Asian sides of Istanbul are connected by two bridges.

Dolmabahce Palace - Istanbul

"" Capital of Empires, Istanbul, BC 658 years and was founded by Megara Byzas commanders because of the name "Byzantium" was the name.

The Sea of ​​Marmara with the "Golden Horn" territorial waters extending between the inner part of the estuary called the historical peninsula, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire-torlukları'nın traces as an open air museum filled with works of art.

The Ottoman sultans for 400 years, and today serves as a museum Topkapi Palace was the political center of the world famous antiquities and sacred relics attracts all kinds of people from different cultures.

Another pompous palace, built by Sultan Abdulaziz, 56 columns and Dolmabahçe Palace is illuminated by a chandelier weighing 4.5 tons. The Republic of Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, on November 10, 1938, died in this palace.

Which is approximately 500 mosques in the city of Istanbul's most famous mosque of Sultan Ahmet Mosque, which is six minarets. The Sultan Ahmet Mosque and the fountain in the square is the main tourist attraction. The Süleymaniye Mosque is another important mosque famous Turkish architect Sinan.

By Emperor Constantine 4 century as a basilica was built in the Byzantine era the most magnificent work of the Hagia Sophia Museum. Height 55, width 31 m with the dome of the Rome-St. Peter, London-St. After Paul and cathedrals of Milan, the Duomo, is in fourth place in terms of size, and is the oldest of them. Kariye Museum 6 century, built by the Byzantines in order to meet the water requirements of the city and the Basilica Cistern 336 columns, among other magnificent historical buildings in the city.

Grand Bazaar - Istanbul

There are many more museums and monuments in Istanbul than these. Istanbul Archaeology Museum, Ataturk Museum, the Sadberk Hanim Museum, Mosaic Museum, Industrial Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Jewish Museum, Maiden's Tower, Galata Tower, Rumeli and Anadolu Hisar walls and Istanbul among others.

15. century the Grand Bazaar, one of the places most visited by tourists and where Istan-bul'daki 4000 close to the shop, jewelery, antiques, carpets, silver and copper souvenirs, leather and suede garments, wood and mother of pearl carvings are sold.

In addition, 17 century, built by Hatice Sultan Egyptian Bazaar, is possible to find all kinds of spices.

Istanbul is also a modern shopping center. Carousel, Ataköy-Galleria, Akmerkez, Capitol, Carrefour-SA, Profilo, Tower and Tower Marketplace, Canyons and indoor shopping centers such as Ikea, as well as Istiklal, Rumeli and the streets of Baghdad's most exclusive shopping areas of the city.

Various film and music festivals, theater, opera, ballet and concert activities, international symposia, conferences and contests in Istanbul, one of the world's leading cultural center-ment. Every year from June to July in the order-Lene "International Culture and Art Festival" hosts famous artists from around the world.

Istanbul, also frequently hosts major international sporting events. The Bosphorus and the Princes' Islands are ideal places for sailing. Investment in the development of tourism in the city, the international yachting center. Ataköy, Kalamış & Fenerbahçe Marinas offers many more possibilities, including yachts overnight.

Kilyos and Sile, Istanbul, Turkey with the well-known holiday resorts around the beaches. Polonezkoy the 19th Polish migration-century Turkmen settled down, an ideal resting place surrounded by woods. The Belgrade Forest National Park is known as the Istan-Bul lungs. The Atatürk Arboretum and the aqueducts of the Ottoman era, are worth seeing. Silivri and Kemer, expansive golf courses.

Kocaeli and Sakarya and Hannibal's Tomb. An industrial city, Istanbul, Istanbul by road dependent. Surrounding area is covered with fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. The Roman period Nicomedia ", known as" the city center and surrounding areas, has many historical monuments from the Ottoman period. Hereke near the city, famous for carpet weaving.

Gebze, located on the northern shores of the Sea of ​​Marmara and the famous Carthaginian commander Hannibal has a rich history in the grave.

Extensive plains and fertile lands for agriculture, an industrial center in the province of Sakarya. In ancient times, people of this region known for its beauty. Indeed, the legendary beauty of the famous wife of the Roman Emperor Harianus'un Sabina, point raised in this region, and then went to Rome.

Paradise of Sunflower Fields and Vineyards. The fertile land of Thrace, which constitutes the European part of Turkey, generally covered with sunflower fields and vineyards. Coming from Europe and its western gate, a stranger entered the city of Edirne, Selimiye Mosque, a masterpiece of Turkish architecture encounters. Traditionally famous Kirkpinar Wrestling in a wooded area called Sarayiçi every summer.

Beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture, with its vast beaches and Tekirdağ province, is located in the west of Thrace. Is famous for its vineyards and wine festivals. BSNL is rich in nature and history, the largest province of Turkey to the European land-cific. İğneada and Kiyiköy the Black Sea coast, is known for its fine sandy beaches.

South Marmara. South of the Marmara Sea in Canakkale, Balikesir and is located in the provinces of Bilecik. 15. face-to-year, adds a distinctive beauty to the throat from the lawn and Kilitbahir castles. 500 000 in memory of soldiers who died in World War Gallipoli front of the National Park on the southern tip height of 42 m "Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial" was built. There is also the British and French monuments around. Removing the coast of the Anzac Anzac Cove Anzac soldiers, wars of Atatürk's speech is inscribed on the Anzac Memorial, one of the everlasting humanism.

Northwest of Çanakkale, ancient cities extend from north to south. Anatolian bard Homer's Iliad King Priam, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen lived in a wooden horse of Troy's famous historical city, 30 km south-west. Neandreia further south from Troy, Alexandria, Troas, Chryse and Assos is located. Behramkale, where the ancient name of Assos, intellectuals, known as the resort center. Assos Acropolis, Temple of Athena at altitude of 248 meters, BC 6. th century.

Marmara Region, important province of Balıkesir in the north Marmara and Aegean seas bordered in the west. Balıkesir the largest settlement in the Banda Marmara shores of the Marmara Sea is the largest port after Istanbul. Erdek northwest of Bandırma, is famous for its beaches and historical attractions. In the south of Bandırma Manyas Lake, close to three million birds of 239 species each year that is Bird Paradise National Park.

Aegean shores of Balıkesir, Edremit Bay and its vicinity. All of which is full of natural and historical riches Edremit Bay shores, covered with olive trees. According to mythology, the world's first beauty contest, the national park is located on Ida Mountain, north of Edremit. The son of the king of Troy Paris, live in these mountains.

Akçay, Altınoluk, Ören and Ayvalık, Edremit in the vicinity of the natural beauty and extensive beaches are favorite holiday resorts. Çamlık and Alibey (Cunda) next to the natural beauty, delicious and different seafood specialties for gourmets restaurants with menus is known for the rich.

Bilecik province founded on lands irrigated by the Sakarya River, an important center of Ottoman history. The Ottoman Empire was founded here in 1299. 30 km east of the city, famous for ceramics, willow, Ptolemaida old Turkish tribes inhabited.

Within the countryside "Divine City". French poet Henri de Regnier, in the countryside on the slopes of Uludag Bursa, Turkey's fifth largest city, "Divine City" described the case as.

By UNESCO "the most original way to protect Europe's environment city" selected in Bursa, nature, history, greenery and architecture are unified in a beautiful harmony. Silk, linen and Bursa is famous for its hot springs, as well as a large industrial city. Developed especially in the automotive and textile industries. Ottoman-era monuments are concentrated south of the city, with modern facilities, ideal for winter sports center, which is located in Uludag National Park.

The resort is a natural beauty in the northwest of the city of Lake Iznik. Roman and Byzantine periods, which is an important residential center in Iznik, this property remained in the Ottoman period. The most beautiful examples of ceramic art in the world, was built here by Ottoman artists. Grasshopper thermal center of Bursa.

ALANYA

Alanya, wide beaches, historic monuments, modern hotel and motels and numerous fish restaurants, cafes and bars and an excellent vacation spot. From their first meeting, which sits like a crown atop of Alanya Peninsula and 13 century Seljuk Castle. Besides the impressive castle with monumental beauty unique shipyard and the Red Tower is worth seeing.

Port is surrounded by cafes and bars along the way to the harbor in the evening handicrafts, leather, clothes, jewelry, handbags interesting colors and decorated with indigenous water boutiques are selling pumpkins. If you like to explore caves must see Damlatas Cave. Near the cave is the Ethnography Museum. Three sea caves by boat are available: phosphorus rock Phosphorous Cave, Cave and Lovers Cave girls pirates of the women prisoners are kept.

Alanya is 15 km. located to the east is an ideal place to relax in the cool shade of Dim Brook Valley. You can swim all the beaches of Alanya, full of sun, sea, sand paradise.

History: Alanya sometimes Cilicia and sometimes part of Pamphilia. The Hittites, Greeks, Romans ruled the region. Invasions and wars, the city was rebuilt by the Romans destroyed. In the Byzantine era to Alanya'' which means'' beautiful mountain called Kolonoros. 13. century. the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat change the name as Alaiye city. 13. century. Karamans in Alanya, ruled by the Ottoman Empire in 1471.

Climate: Alanya has a typical Mediterranean climate prevails. Winters are rainy and humid and hot dry summers. The average annual air temperature is 19 ° C. Sea water temperature 21 ° C maximum. PLACES TO VISIT

Castles and Towers

Alanya Castle Alanya Castle is the only Seljuk castle has been preserved until the present day. Of the Roman ruins in 1225 a new castle was built by the Seljuk Sultan Keykubat. 83 towers and 140 bastions, three well fortified castle with the castle as a whole is composed of inner and outer. Aya Yorgi Church, Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque, the Seljuk Sultan Tomb Akşabe bath, bazaar, bazaar, Sitti Zeynep Tomb of Sultan Alaeddin Palace, big and small cisterns, a lighthouse and a castle historical treasure of the dungeon.

The Red Tower: the upper and lower sections, cut stones, the Red Tower was built in 1226. The tower stands intact even today, between the east and west fronts of the seat due to its location, has an altitude difference of 2m.lik. The five-storey tower is octagonal. Up the middle of the ground floor, there is a section rising up to the fifth floor. State of the tower serves as a cistern. The ground floor serves as an ethnographic museum.

Ancient Cities

Leartis-Learti (Mahmutlar Ruins): Great ruins, this place is also called the big church or the coastal town on the slopes of the hills was established in large and small lengths. 22 km from the town center. from churches, baths, cisterns, residential buildings, a small theater, a stadium, colonnaded streets and temples.

Syedra Ruins BC The city of Syedra 3. century. the border formed by the present Kargacı and Seki village situated on a hill. Section at the top of the hill region of inscriptions located in the city center and the city's Roman ruins are known to be understood that Syedra. Lintel of the monumental city gate still standing. On both sides of the colonnaded street, historic monuments and mosaics are made for various purposes. There are three pools in the city, probably used as a water tank.

Lotape (Aytap) Port City: Aytap Alanya is 30 km. east. Today's Mediterranean coastal path passes through this Roman city. The city was named in honor of King Antichus'un wife Iotape known. The city's 50-100 m. There is a small port measuring. The castle built on a hill in the form of the peninsula is quite high but the view is worth the effort very difficult to exit. Iotape the ancient city streets, baths, a church, a necropolis and acropolis of the best standing in the remains of ancient cities in the surrounding area value. One bedroom, covered burial chambers in the ancient ruins of the city.

Seljuk Shipyard Built in 1228, the shipyard 56.5 m. long, 44 m. deep and 5 rooms. From encroachment south, the shipyard, two-story, two-bedroom powered by a tower.

Mosques

Süleymaniye (Kale) Mosque: The mosque, which reflects Ottoman architecture of the 16th century. known to have been built on a Selçuk temple. Wood windows and doors are the most beautiful examples of Ottoman carvings.

Mosque Emir Bedrüddin: Today, right next to the name of the mosque known as the Mosque Andızlı from juniper tree. In 1227, the mosque was built by Emir Bedrüddin next to the minaret made of cut stone is very high. The pulpit of the most beautiful examples of the art of carving.

Aksebe Sultan Mosque Sultan Akþebe the first commanders of Alanya fortress. Mosque was built in 1230 by himself. West of a minaret, which has its own unique architecture.

Caravansaries

Alara Inn Alara River forms the border between Alanya and Manavgat, 9 km from the sea. was built to the north. To Alanya 35 km. Caravanserai Alara away in 1232 by Sultan Keykubat made entirely of cut stone in an area of ​​2000 m². Guard House, even today preserves all the property of the fountain, mosque and bath and a work worth seeing.

Wine If Caravanserai: Alanya - Antalya highway, 15 km. Sinde at the top of the road over an area of ​​approximately 850 square meters, the son of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat II. By Kaykhusraw 1236 - 1246 was built between the years.

Caves

Stalactite cave

Great Bottomless Cave

Çimeniçi Cave

Dim Cave

Beldibi Cave

Derya Cave

Other important caves

Hasbahce Cave: Small town neighborhood of Hasbahce the bottom of the landing, which is located 4 km from the city. away. Cave stalactite cave a few times larger than the more there is no information for an in-depth investigation has been carried.

Ini Kadi Cave: 15 km from the district center. northeastern direction until, at a place called Çatak position available. Has enlivened the picnic areas in and around the region.

Pirates Cave: Pirates Cave stored the goods they used to be and robberies around fearsome pirates kidnapped the girls known as the place they hold. The cave is approximately 10 m. wide and 5-6 m in height and allows you to enter the mouth of the boats come easily. Inside the dome of the mosque as the people from the darkness that covered with colorful stones and can be seen to the north.

Lovers Cave: Cave of Lovers height of two meters above the sea, and big enough for a human being. This stalactites, stalagmites and columns decoration.

Phosphorus Cave: cave as the Pirates Cave, which has a similar appearance to the gate to enter into the boat size. Of the sea at the foot of spectacular colors.

Beaches

Unlike most vacation spots, the beaches are at the center of Alanya. Alanya is 15 km. to the east of the cool shade of Dim Brook Valley, a great place to relax. Approximately 25 km from Alanya. a holiday resort with beautiful beaches located to the west of Avsallar. Alanya to the east, towards Gazipaşa excellent beaches to visit if you will encounter. History of Alanya, 30 km from the port. Aytap the east, a trip to the Roman ruins of protected beaches and coves important point.

Sports Activities

Rafting offers the best rafting rivers in the region, 6 km from the town. Dim east river into the sea. This is located on the river, 20 km from Alanya. northeast "Alraft Facilities" in this sport possible. Mountain Sports and amateur mountain climbing trekking in recent times that are convenient, especially Akdağ (2451 m.) And Cebelireis (1649 m.) Began to show improvement. Akdag, in accordance with this purpose, the Ministry of Tourism has been declared Winter Sports Tourism Center.

Alanya Triathlon, held in October each year, the international level sporting events that began in 1991. World, this event is being broadcast by Eurosport TV, swimming, cycling, running, consists of three.

Hunting: Regional climate, terrain and vegetation, due to the significant potential prey animals. Very reduced number of deer hunting is prohibited in order to protect and hunt wild goats in a controlled manner within the limits of the possible to keep just about every kind of fish.

Camping: Camping and motorhomes in and around Alanya with many camping facilities are available.

AVANOS

Venessa Avanos, which is 18 km north of Nevsehir ancient name. A large number of counties in the tradition of making pottery pottery workshop has been going on since the Hittites.