Manisa relief, Rock relief in Mount Spil National Park, Turkey
The Manisa relief is a sculpture carved into rock, positioned roughly 100 meters up a granite cliff face overlooking the Gediz river valley and displaying a seated figure roughly 6 meters in height. The work was placed in a natural niche of the cliff wall and appears commanding despite the passage of centuries.
The relief dates from the 14th century BC during the era of Hittite rulers Suppiluliuma I or Mursili II, as confirmed by inscriptions in the Luwian language. The text carved below the figure establishes a direct link to this distant period.
The figure shown on the relief displays a seated person wearing a tall pointed headdress, which scholars interpret as either a Weather deity or a mountain god. This representation offers visitors a window into the religious imagery of ancient times.
The relief sits within Mount Spil National Park, roughly 24 kilometers from Manisa, and can be reached using both private and public transportation options. Visitors should know that the climb to reach it requires effort and sturdy footwear is advisable.
Below the figure, remnants of Luwian hieroglyphic inscriptions survive, mentioning the name Prince Kuwalanamuwa. These carved signs allow visitors to connect directly with names from the ancient world.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
