Automatic translation of Hittite cuneiform signs

Objective of this study is to perform an introductory study for an automatic translation of Hittite cuneiform signs using computer technologies and to create a starting point for future studies in automatic translation of Hittite cuneiform texts. Sumerians developed the first script using pictographs in human history. This script evolved into cuneiform script. Cuneiform script spread by Akkadians to world of that day. Hittites, who were settled in Anatolia in the seventeenth century BC, have developed cuneiform script based on Akkadian script. Hittites are considered as the first people building endurable libraries. Thousands of tablets keeping data on commercial transactions, daily life, medicine, law, religion, astronomy, mythology, actions and practices of Hittite kings and international agreements are still buried in the earth and waiting to be unearthed. In early 20th century a Hittite cuneiform text read and translated for the first time. Since then studies on Hittite cuneiform texts and grammar continue. The most interesting point in history is that Hittite is the only and oldest Indo-European language that stood more than four thousand years. Yet it takes long time, it requires a special expertise to perform this job. With this study, a design for automatic translation of Hittite cuneiform texts has been demonstrated. Additionally image processing and database applications for the first two steps of translation process are implemented.