Zile Maşat Höyük is an archaeological site in the Zile district of Tokat, where the palace of a frontier lord belonging to the Hittite Empire was located; the cuneiform tablets unearthed during excavations are among the earliest examples of diplomatic correspondence in Anatolia.
Maşat Höyük is a hill rising approximately 30 meters from the flat plain, right next to Yalınyazı village, which is part of Zile. Excavations conducted between 1973 and 1984 under the direction of Prof. Dr. Tahsin Özgüç uncovered the palace of a frontier lord belonging to the Hittite Empire here. Wide stone-paved streets and defensive walls were also brought to light.
The true significance of the mound comes from the tablets found. The Hittite cuneiform documents discovered in the palace are referred to as the Maşat texts and are considered among the earliest examples of diplomatic correspondence found in Anatolia. Additionally, a unique terracotta brazier, not found anywhere else in Turkey, was discovered here; this piece, part of the palace's heating system, is the only example of its kind. The mound contains three distinct settlement layers intertwined: the Early Bronze Age around 3000 BCE, the Hittite Age in 2000 BCE, and the Phrygian or Iron Age in 1000 BCE.
Most of the artifacts unearthed during the excavations are not displayed on site, but in the Tokat Museum: terracotta vessels, ritual rhytons, and seals. The mound itself is currently protected as an archaeological site. A visit primarily appeals to those who wish to see the traces of settlement in an open area and understand the location of a historical Hittite palace firsthand.
Related discoveries: Historical Sites, Tokat historical sites, Almus Dam Lake.
Guide's Note
What is Maşat Höyük and Why is it Important?
Maşat Höyük is a settlement that hosted the palace of a frontier lord belonging to the Hittite Empire, connected to Boğazköy Hattuşa. The cuneiform tablets unearthed during excavations indicate that this was not an ordinary rural settlement, but a center of administrative and diplomatic importance. These tablets, known as the Maşat texts, are considered among the earliest examples of diplomatic correspondence found in Anatolia.
How to Get There
The mound is located right next to Yalınyazı village, which is part of Zile district. It is approximately 20 km from Zile center and 68 km from Tokat city center. Public transport can be challenging; you need to take a bus to Zile and then continue by car. Going with your own vehicle saves time, especially for navigating the surrounding village roads.
Best Time to Visit
Since it is an open-air archaeological site, it is wise to avoid the hottest hours of summer. Spring and autumn months are more suitable in terms of both weather and scenery. It's best to choose a dry day, as walking on muddy ground can be difficult on rainy days.
How Much Time to Allocate
A visit to the mound is short, about half an hour is sufficient. However, while you're here, adding Zile Castle and other historical structures in the vicinity to your itinerary will make your day more productive. Including the Tokat Museum in the same travel plan is complementary for seeing the artifacts found at the mound.
Suggested Itinerary: Mound and Tokat Museum Together
When visiting Maşat Höyük, the most logical way is to first stop at the Tokat Museum to see the tablets, vessels, and seals unearthed during the excavations. On site, you only see the traces of settlement and the topography of the land; the actual artifacts are in the museum. Following this order allows you to better understand the significance of what you see at the mound.
Things to Consider
As it is a protected archaeological site, it is important not to enter excavation areas without permission and to leave the area as it is. The mound is in a rural area, with limited dining and resting facilities nearby. It is necessary to go prepared from Zile center. Before visiting, it is useful to confirm current access and opening status through Zile Tourism or the Tokat Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism.
For Photography
From the hill where the mound rises, there is a wide view of the surrounding agricultural lands and the Yeşilırmak basin. In the morning or afternoon, when the light is horizontal, photographing the natural silhouette of the mound and the land layers yields more effective results.
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