The presence of the Middle and Neo-Assyrian State in the Southeastern Anatolia Region

The Southeastern Anatolian region has always been prominent throughout history due to its favourable climatic conditions and geographical location. Its geopolitical position and fertile lands have provided suitable conditions for meeting basic needs. As a result, the region has been home to many civilisations throughout history. One of these civilisations that left a significant mark on a certain period and was the most powerful state in the region was the Assyrian Empire. The political, economic and cultural influence of the Assyrian Empire on the Southeast Anatolian region can be observed. The fact that the Southeast Anatolian region is located on trade routes and has various interregional transit routes is one of the main reasons for the Assyrian Empire's efforts to establish dominance in the region. In addition, the region's wealth of non-agricultural resources also attracted Assyrian economic interest. Thus, Assyria began efforts to establish dominance in the region through military campaigns and diplomatic initiatives, and was successful for a long time. It annexed many settlements and kingdoms by imposing taxes and appointing vassals in these areas. Some of the most important of these were Karkamış, Sam'al, Kummuh, Sultantepe, Ziyaret Tepe, Üçtepe, Giricano, Kavuşan Höyük, Hakemi Use, Aşağı Salat and Salat Tepe. The distance of the Assyrian centre from the south-eastern Anatolian region and the political structure of the existing settlements in the region influenced the methods of domination employed by Assyria in the region. The methods of domination varied depending on whether it was control over the established Late Hittite and Aramaean city-states or settlements along the riverbanks. Assyria maintained its dominance in the region either by appointing governors to the centres, or by selecting kings loyal to it, or by establishing garrisons and fortifications. The presence of the Assyrian Empire in the Southeast Anatolian region can be understood both from written sources found within the region's borders and from archaeological evidence in settlements. In addition to the written sources in the region, many tablets found in the centre of Assyria and in the surrounding regions also prove Assyria's presence in the region. Furthermore, rock reliefs, stelae, ceramics, architectural remains, small artefacts, tombs and grave goods found in both settlements and near the centres serve as qualitative evidence of this presence.