The Yazılıkaya complex dates from the mid 13th century BC. It was largely constructed under king Tudhaliya IV, who was the last but second king of the Hittites. In front of the two rock chambers with stonework stood some buildings, of which only the foundations remain. There would be a portal, next a courtyard surrounded by columns and some chambers, and finally the inner sanctuary of the rock chambers. They are called A and B. A is thought to have been used for New Year celebrations, B may have been used for burial rituals. There was an extension to a chamber C, that certainly was used for burial ritual. Already in the 15th century a sanctuary existed here, but the rock chambers were unadorned and there were no buildings in front. It is three kilometres from here to the former Hittite city of Bogazkale. See also Alacahöyük and the later Karatepe.

For an excellent collection of Hittite pictures from several sources - with clickable map - see Monuments of the Hittites by Tayfun Bilgin who kindly informed me on proper captions for some of my pictures also.