INTERNATIONAL HITTITOLOGY CONGRESSES
Hittites established the first political community of Anatolia
about 4 thousand years ago. (2000 B.C). The geographical location
that the Hittite State was first established and was developed
increasingly as the super power of its age has a really great
importance for Anatolia and also world history.
Although Hittitology is a new field of science, it has a great
potential with its scientists and their significant researches.
The Hittitology Congresses has been required in order to pronounce
the studies carried out in the Hittite Science World to the science
world and public clearly and perceptibly. Çorum is one of our
cities that keeps and presents the findings of Hittite civilization
in its centers such as Boğazköy-Hattuşa, Ortaköy-Şapinuva, Alacahöyük,
Eskiyapar and Yörüklü. The city of Çorum has always been the focus
on the study of Hittite Civilization. In this respect, it has
been advised to hold the congresses in Çorum internationally.
The potential and eagerness of the Çorum City to host many of
scientists has encouraged the people who prepare the congress.
The first International Hittitology Congresses that was hosted
and encouraged by Çorum started in 1990. In that congress, that
was under the presidency of Professor-in-Ordinary Dr. Sedat ALP
and held in 19-21 of July in 1990, local and foreign
notifications in number of 25 were presented. The most important
mission and the result of this first congress was the decision
to continue these congresses periodically.
It was decided to make the Hittitology Congresses triennially.
It was decided to make these congresses traditionally in Çorum
triennially and then to hold in abroad triennially.
The languages of the Hittitology Congresses are English, French,
German, Italian and Turkish. It is the first time that the ‘Turkish
language’ is accepted as the congress language. To make one of
the languages of the congress in Turkish is the start of a tradition
established by the leadership of Hittite University.
The 2nd International Hittitology Congress was held
in Pavia, Italy between 28th of June and 2nd
July of 1993 under the presidency of Prof. Onofrio CARRUBA. 54
notifications were presented in this congress.
The 3rd International Hittitology Congress was held
in Çorum in 16-20 September of 1996 under the presidency of Prof.
Sedat ALP. As for this congress, the 79 notifications were presented.
The 4th International Hittitology Congress was held
in Würzburg, Germany in 4-8 October of 1999 under the presidency
of Prof. Gernot WILHEM. 82 notifications were presented
in this congress.
The 5th International Hittitology Congress was held
in Çorum in 2-6 September of 2002 under the presidency of Professor-in-Ordinary
Dr. Sedat ALP and 99 notifications were presented.
The 8th International Hittitology Congress was held
in Roma, Italy in 5-9 September of 2005 under the presidency of
Prof. Alfonso ARCHI. 93 notifications were presented in this congress.
The Hittitology Congresses are focal points which the valuable
studies are presented, collected and discussed. Therefore, it
is also really important as a platform where the scientist form
all over the world find opportunity to meet and share knowledge.
The aim of the Hittitology Congresses is to contribute to the
studies of Old Anatolian Languages and Cultures with the notifications
presented. The subjects discussed about language, history and
archeology contribute to the History of Anatolia as well as the
Hittite Culture and History. It is required and also important
to collect and publish the notifications presented in the congresses.
The notifications that have been presented by this time has been
published and taken place in the world of science.
The Hittitology Congresses have provided the Hittite Civilization
established in Anatolia to find its worthy place in the world
science platform and the City of Çorum has lead to this. The Governership
of Çorum, The Municipality of Çorum, all institutions and The
City of Çorum has supported the 1st, 3rd
and 5th International Hittitology Congresses financially
and emotionally. Each congress undertakes the mission to pass
the science and culture inheritance to the next one with more
contribution.
The Hitit University established in Çorum in 2006 has undertaken
the mission to hold the International Hittitology Congresses.
The 7th International Hittitology Congress will be
held by the Hitit University named by this civilization and the
City of Çorum will continue to host this congress and to support
financially and emotionally.
