Hittite diplomacy

Diplomacy is a tool mainly purposing to solve international problems without resorting war. Since the oldest time to present, diplomacy have taken a role as primary in relationship between countries. This kind of statement proves us importance of diplomacy. This study aims to explain Hittite approach to diplomacy from all sides. For this purpose, sources are chosen from Hittite cuneiform writings as primary and researches by scientist as secondary. As a first attempt to explanation, definition and evolution through the history of diplomacy is introduced. Then, diplomacy between Anatolian city states established before Hittite is explained with contemporary sources. When analysing diplomatic customs of The Hittite Empire, fundemantal conceptions of diplomacy and effects to "The Diplomacy of Hittite" are explained. The Hittite diplomacy is patterned on contributions of Hittite king and queen as highest contributors, diplomats and government officers, carrying varying responsibles in government. Letters, public mandates and royal decrees, obtained from Hittite State Archive, diplomatic letters of agreement between equal or vassal countries and public seals are handled with diplomatic side of view. Varying foreign affairs implementations, aimed international pacification, were developed by Hittite Empire. These implementations are explained in this study within subtitles; equilibrium status, enfranchisement of property at concordats, adherence to treaty, preserving political reputation. Furthermore, diplomatical marriages and fact of religion as foreign affairs implementations are retailed in separate topics. Usage of "Marriage" and "Religion" to seal new alliances, strengthen existing relations, increase sovereignty on vassal countries is almost traditionalized by The Hittite Empire. Diplomatic marriage is seen as striking feature used in foreing politics by Hittite. Relationship between state and religion is emphasised with usage in forming international relations and foreign affairs. Effects of religion to foreign diplomacy is regulary mentioned in forign policy documents, been written by Hittite king. All in summary, The Hittite Empire as an ancient state used the diplomacy actively and in effective way. Moreover, adopting of principle of the sanctity of the contract was seen on Hittite Implementations, institutions and state officials, proving operability to diplomacy, prove that The Hittite Empire contributed to world diplomacy history in very effective way. Key words: The Hittite Empire, diplomacy, treaty, ambassador, diplomatic marriage.