Gözlühöyük

A large basalt block displays a typical Storm-God figure with raised arms holding an axe and a trident-shaped thunder symbol. The block is 1.4 m in height, 1 m in width, and has a depth of 67 cm. Although the beard of the god and decorated edges of the kilt display Assyrian influence, most other features of the relief are in Neo-Hittite style. Yet, the head piece of the god also has an Egyptian style rearing cobra (uraeus) in front in addition to the horns. The axe of the god extending into the frame of the block is a unique feature. It has been found near the Gözlühöyük village, located to the southeast of Nurdağı town in the Gaziantep province. Stylistically dated to the second half of the 8th century BCE.

Another find from Gözlühöyük is a fragmented basalt stele that displays a typical dining scene like several examples from Maraş. Husband, wife, and the partially visible child are depicted around a table. However, the lotus plant in the middle as well as those in the hands of the couple is drawn very much in Egyptian style. Like that of the Storm-God above, the man's headpiece has an Egyptian-style uraeus on it. It has been dated to around 800-725 BCE. Both of the steles are on display in the Gaziantep Archaeology Museum.


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