Abstract:

After migration of the Sea Peoples which had occurred due to economical reasons during 1200s BC, Hittite Empire collapsed in central Anatolia and political balance of power changed continuously in Anatolia. Afterwards, new political formations called Neo-Hittite city-states were created by Hittites in the southern and eastern regions of Anatolia. Kummuh, one of these citystates was established on fertile soils consisting of our current city Adıyaman, Nizip, northern side of Islahiye and eastern side of Kahramanmaraş. Neo-Hittite city-states was changing hands among Phrygian, Urartu or Assyrian kings from time to time according to the changing balance of power in Anatolia. Because Assyrian kings gave great importance to keep control of Mediterranean trade in their hands. However, Phrygia and Urartu in Anatolia posed an obstacle for Assyria in achieving this goal. Therefore, Kingdom of Kummuh was fighting field of states that wanted to have Mediterranean trade, rich iron, silver and cedarwood of the region in the first quarter of first millennium BC. Because Neo-Hittite region was located in an important point in reaching Mediterranean while it was undertaking a task of being a door opening to inside of Anatolia and trade routes in here from east. Access to the regions of important raw materials in the west for those who were in east and south had to be made through this way. Even if local principalities that couldn't come against Assyria had to accept the rule of Assyria, they used opportunities that they obtained against Assyria in time. Assyrian Empire implemented a policy that enabled these principalities to continue their existence. While Assyrian Empire was trying to rule over Anatolia, Kummuh acted as an ally of Assyria and also entered into struggle with it sometimes. However, it couldn't provide an advantage in these struggles. In this study, importance of region in which Kingdom of Kummuh, one of the Neo-Hittite citystates located from the viewpoint of Assyrian Empire and relationship of this city-state with Assyria will be examined in the light of cuneiform sources.