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Hittite Sun Disk Monument

The Hittite Sun Disk Monument is a memorial dedicated to the Hittites, created by sculptor Nusret Suman and installed in Sıhhiye Square in Ankara in 1978. It is a copy of a figurine symbolizing the Hittite Kingdom, found during excavations at Alacahöyük. In 1973, Ankara mayor and architect Vedat Dalokay approved the sign as a symbol of the city. Similar images and sculptures were discovered in Hittite royal tombs and are represented in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara. The monument was funded by the Anatolian insurance company, donated in 1977, and restored in 2022. The Hittite sun disk also served as Ankara’s emblem until 2000.

Hittite Sun Disk Monument with animal figures on a landscaped base in an urban setting.
The Hittite Sun Disk Monument stands on a landscaped base with deer and horned figures, set against Ankara buildings and a clear sky.
December 2013 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Hittite Sun Disk Monument with deer figures on a multi-tiered base beside a city street
The Hittite Sun Disk Monument stands along a city street, featuring deer figures within a circular dark sculpture.
April 2020 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Hittite Sun Disk Monument with deer and bulls in a city street setting
The Hittite Sun Disk Monument stands beside a busy urban thoroughfare with traffic and pedestrians in Ankara.
March 2017 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Hittite Sun Disk Monument on a white base in an urban street with cars and buildings in the background.
The Hittite Sun Disk Monument stands on a white base along a city street.
2022 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Hittite Sun Disk Monument sculpture visible across a multi-lane road, partially framed by a graffiti-covered pole.
The Hittite Sun Disk Monument stands across the road, seen here partially obscured by a graffiti-covered pole.
2022 © · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleHittite Sun Course Monument
TypeMonument; replica sculpture
Original titleПамятник Хеттскому солнечному диску

Historical context

SubjectHittite Sun Disc, the symbol of the Hittite Kingdom
Associated civilizationHatti, commonly regarded as belonging to the Hittite civilization

Creator

SculptorNusret Suman

Discovery and provenance

Adopted as city symbol1973, by Ankara mayor and architect Vedat Dalokay
Related institutionAnkara University emblem
City emblem statusUsed as Ankara Municipality's symbol from 1973 to 1995 and as Ankara's coat of arms until 2000
Related institutionAnkara University uses the Hittite Sun Disc as its emblem
Presented byAnatolian Insurance Company
Related historical examplesSimilar images and sculptures were found in the tombs of Hittite kings; examples are in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara
Discovery locationAlacahöyük, Turkey
Original modelA Hatti monument unearthed during excavations at Alacahöyük, Turkey
Replica funding and donationBuilt with funds from the Anatolian Insurance Company and donated in 1977

Physical characteristics

Upper protrusionsInterpreted as representing the fertility of nature
DeerA sign of peace
BirdsSymbolize the freedom of nature
Lower elementsTwo pairs of horns at the bottom; their meaning is uncertain
CompositionA large circle symbolizing the sun
DescriptionA copy of a statuette in the form of the symbol of the Hittite Kingdom

Location and ownership

LocationSıhhiye Square, Ankara, Turkey

History and restoration

Installed1978
Official inauguration date15 August 1973
RestorationRestored in 2001 by the Ministry of Environment Protection
RestorationRestored again in 2022
Logo changeOn 29 June 1995, Ankara's logo was amended by decision of the Ankara Metropolitan Municipal Assembly
City emblem replacementIn 2000, Mayor Melih Gökçek replaced it with a new emblem featuring the silhouette of the Kocatepe Mosque