Beyond Sun, Sand, and Sea: The Role of Hittite Heritage in the Transformation of Turkey s Cultural Heritage Regimes

Abstract

This article scrutinizes the cultural heritage regimes pertaining to the Hittite Empire within the Turkish context, with a specific emphasis on archival records, media narratives, and significant political figures. Drawing upon the concept of cultural heritage regimes, this paper argues that the Hittite cultural heritage played a pivotal role in crafting the self-understanding of the emergent Turkish Republic. The focus lies on the strategic appropriation of Hittite symbols by the Republic to foster a palpable connection with an ancient past that thrived within the geographical bounds of contemporary Turkey. This connection aimed to kindle a sense of unity and shared origins among Turkish citizens. In a significant shift, the twenty-first century exhibits a noticeable change in priorities where the media discourse primarily accentuates the economic potential of Hittite cultural artifacts, largely in the context of heritage tourism. Coupled with this economic and touristic orientation is a deliberate endeavor to redefine Turkey’s image. By strategically projecting Turkey’s historical depth, the aim is to catalyze heritage tourism and move beyond the country’s mere representation as a natural “paradise” known for its stereotypical trio of sun, sand, and sea. This shift exemplifies a metamorphosis of cultural heritage regimes, where the anticipated fiscal returns from heritage tourism begin to steer the narrative, simultaneously highlighting the economic dividends of cultural preservation and catalyzing a redefinition of Turkey’s global image.