Malpınarı Rock Inscriptions

The Neo-Hittite inscription and relief were first reported by Mustafa Kalaç in 1979. It is on the east bank of the Göksu River near Malpınarı village, about 35 km from the city of Adıyaman. The 9 lines of Luwian inscription are carved on a recessed panel of the rock cliff, about 150 meters north of a spring water known as Malpınarı. Since 2010 the inscription has been completely covered by the waters of a small dam built further south on Göksu. The inscription is about 1.8 meters wide and 0.9 meters high.

On the right edge is a worn-out full-length human figure with long hair and a beard that points to Assyrian influence in style. One large and one small hole on the left side have damaged some lines of the inscription. The author of the inscription is Alayaza, the river-lord of the cities Sarita and Suki(ta), who introduces King Hattusili as his master. Its style is very similar to Boybeypınarı blocks, which mention a Hattusili, son of Suppiluliuma. See also Ancoz 5, which mentions Hattusili and Suppiluliuma. They must have reigned as rulers of the Neo-Hittite Kingdom, Kummuh, during the first half of the 8th century BCE.


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