Kültepe Kanesh Karum

Kültepe Kanesh Karum is one of the most important archaeological sites in Anatolia and the birthplace of the first known written records in Türkiye. Dating back nearly 4,000 years, it was the center of the Assyrian Trade Colony Period, where merchants from Mesopotamia established one of the world's earliest international trading settlements. Key Info Location: Kültepe, Kayseri Duration: 1–2 hours Entrance: Paid (Museum Pass accepted) Best Time: Spring, autumn, or daytime in summer Experience Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient city of Kanesh and the adjacent Karum, the Assyrian merchants' trading quarter. Excavations have uncovered houses, streets, warehouses, and more than 23,000 cuneiform clay tablets, revealing detailed information about trade, law, family life, and daily commerce nearly four millennia ago. Highlights Birthplace of the earliest written records in Türkiye Ancient city of Kanesh and Assyrian trading quarter (Karum) Over 23,000 cuneiform clay tablets discovered UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed in 2024) One of the world's earliest international trade centers How to Visit Kültepe Kanesh Karum is located about 20 km northeast of Kayseri and is easily reached by private vehicle. It is commonly combined with the Kayseri Archaeological Museum, Kayseri Castle, Hunat Hatun Complex, and Mount Erciyes, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in the origins of writing, trade, and civilization in Anatolia.