History and archaeology
Meher Kapısı (Meher Gate)
Tuşba, Van
A three-stepped niche carved into the rock at the foot of Zımzım Dağı; the principal source on Urartian religion with its inscription listing the Urartian gods and the sacrifices to be offered to them.
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Its story
On the lake-facing slope of Zımzım Dağı (Mount Zımzım), where Toprakkale stands, there is a rectangular, three-stepped niche carved into the rock face. The Urartians saw this niche as a 'gate' through which the gods emerged from the depths of the rock. A long inscription, repeated twice, was carved inside the niche in the time of King Ishpuini and his son Menua (late 9th century BC); the inscription lists the names of 79 gods and goddesses, above all Haldi, Teisheba and Shivini, and the numbers of cattle and sheep to be offered to each. In this respect it is the most important written document on Urartian religion. It is also popularly called the 'Kör Kapı' (Blind Gate), 'Hazine Kapısı' (Treasure Gate) or 'Yalancı Kapı' (False Gate); the niche, about 4 meters high, can be seen together with the area on the lower terrace where sacrifices are thought to have been offered.
Key facts
- Period
- Late 9th century BC (Urartian)
- Getting there
- Northeast of central Van, near Toprakkale
- Visit duration
- 30 minutes
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Day trip
Location
38.51710, 43.38907
Where to eat nearby
No food & drink venues listed nearby.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meher_Kapısı | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urartian_religion | https://van.ktb.gov.tr/TR-437560/toprakkale.html | https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/12174688240