Cult of the moon in Ancient Mesopotamian religions

The moon cult and belief in Sumerian, Akkad, Babylonian and Assyrian societies who lived in ancient Mesopotamia were examined. While examining this belief, especially Nanna and Sin, which are attributed to the Moon deity, were examined. Since the cities had pantheons of gods in Mesopotamian civilizations, the structure of the cities was also mentioned due to Sin in the city of Harran in the north and Nanna, the chief god of the city of Ur in the south. This cult belief emerged with the impressions of the Moon as an image and the glorification of Nanna and Sin by the mythologies. The month, which is considered sacred in many societies, is also accepted as one of the important sacred phenomena in societies living in the Mesopotamian region. It is even claimed that the cult of the moon is the first form of monotheistic religions. The cult of the moon appears in all areas of time and life in ancient societies. For example, it can be said that the moon phenomenon is the most prominent element, although the planets have an important place in determining the time and calendar. Therefore, in this study, the nature and function of the moon cult, which has spread to all areas of life in ancient Mesopotamian religions, will be mentioned and analyzed in terms of the History of Religions. Mesopotamia has hosted many civilizations in terms of both geographical and religious structure. Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian and Assyrian societies are among these civilizations. These societies have religious values. These beliefs form the subject of this thesis. In the context of beliefs, understandings such as the pantheon of god, cult understanding, places of worship are included. The religious structure of these civilizations of the moon god in ancient Mesopotamia constitutes the subject of the thesis.