Karasu Relief

The Neo-Hittite rock relief stands over the Karasu river valley, briefly before it joins the Euphrates. It was first reported by geologists Krummenacher and Wilson in 1956, while they were exploring the area. The relief is carved on a flattened rock surface in a niche. It shows a deer with long antlers and a male figure standing on the deer. He has a bow over the left shoulder and a spear in the extended right hand. It is likely that this is a representation of the Hittite tutelary deity (see Altınyayla, Gölpınar, Hacıbebekli). The male figure wears a short tunic and pointy shoes as a god would have, but the headpiece does not have a horn. Over him is a winged sun disc. Unfortunately, the sun disc and the head of the figure were blown away in 1976 by treasure seekers. There are no inscriptions. Based on its style, the relief is estimated to be from the 10th or 9th century BCE.

A Neo-Hittite settlement was found in the Karasu area, and it is possible that this was the protective god of this settlement. An artificial ditch in the size of 3x12 meters has been found in the proximity of the relief. Between the ditch and the relief, about 30 separate libation holes have been found, which may suggest that it was a spot for religious ceremonies.


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