IVRIZ ROCK MONUMENT

Located 12 km from Ereğli district of Konya, within the borders of Halkapınar district, it is at the source of the İvriz River. It is a Late Hittite period artifact. It has the distinction of being the world's first written agricultural monument and the world's first written relief rock monument. Its importance stems from this. It is one of the most important works of art from the Late Hittite period, which has undergone Aramaicization. It is estimated to have been built between 727-742 BC by King Varpalavas. It is made on a rock surface using the relief technique, measuring 4.20 x 4.20 meters. It also shows Assyrian and Phrygian influences. It is an artifact that has survived from the Tuvana kingdom. The Tuvana kingdom was a kingdom founded by the Proto Hittites, with its capital in Ereğli. The monument depicts Varpalavas, the king of the region, and Tarhundas. Tarhundas is larger than the king, holding bunches of grapes and ears of wheat in his hands. The king is depicted smaller and in a praying position. The clothing of the objects in the depiction; It reflects the characteristics of late Hittite art. Between the two figures, a hieroglyphic inscription reads: "I, Varpalavas, King of Tuvana, the ruler and hero; while I was a prince in the palace, I planted these vines; may Tarhundas grant them abundance and prosperity." King Varpalavas, in commissioning this monument for the Hittite and Luwian people of the region, symbolically illustrates the relationship between god and king. Furthermore, it is interesting because it provides information about the grapes and wheat cultivated in the area during that period.