The story of Nerik

Hittite kings once travelled to this mound to honour a storm god. Nerik, identified at Oymaağaç Höyüğü, 7 kilometres northwest of Vezirköprü, has a history of 3,500 years.

Founded by the Hattians and dedicated to Teshub, god of the sky and storms, it became one of the Hittites' sacred cities and, under an Old Kingdom law, one of four tax-exempt cities alongside Hattusa, Arinna and Zippalanda. Tablets found here record kings holding ceremonies and making offerings.

Nerik is the setting of the Illuyanka legend, and its Purulliya festival was among the most important Hittite festivals. The northernmost Hittite city, it fell to the Kaska under Hantili II and was regained under Hattusili III. Excavations since 2005 have uncovered a city wall and gate, a temple, 13 clay tablets and a 50-metre tunnel of 40 steps, thought to end at a sacred drinking-water pool.