Abstract:

In the Hittite cuneiform texts left behind by the Hittites who ruled in Anatolia in the 2nd millennium BC, we encounter various architectural structures. Among these structures is (É)/(GIŠ)šinapši-. (É)/(GIŠ)šinapši-, derived from the Hurrian root “šin-”, was regarded as a sacred place in Hurri and Babylonian lands in the following periods. In (É)/(GIŠ)šinapši-, rituals such as cleansing from sins and making offerings were generally performed. However, Mount Šinapši is mentioned as a place name in Hittite sources. Although there is no definite information about the localization of the mountain, it has been suggested that Mount Šinapši is in the Kizzuwatna region and can be equated with the Amanos Mountains. The ((É)/(GIŠ)šinapši-structures, which kings and queens attach importance to, have their own gods, and various rituals are performed to prevent the anger of these gods. We can say that ((É)/(GIŠ)šinapši-s, which are sometimes thought to belong to the underworld, are places that serve to ward off evil in general.

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