Relations between Çukurova (cilicia) and central Anatolia in II nd millennium b.c. according to the pottery findings

On account of Cilicia?s critical geographical setting as a passageway the Hittites paid special attention to it within the political structure of II. millennium B.C. in connection with their relations to Syria and Mesopotamia. During the II millennium B.C., Çukurova, known then as ?Kizzuwatna?, had lodged a local kingdom, in which the Hurrians dominated ethnically and culturally. For a long time this kingdom stood in an equal status with Hittites; it only became a vassal of the Hittites from 14. century on. Nonetheless, it conserved its own cultural autonomy. Following the annexation period after the conclusion of the ?una??ura Treaty Kizzuwatna became, especially during the 13. century the cultural ?backyard? of Hittites.The study has clearly shown the similarities of ceramic forms in both regions which run as a rule parallel to political, cultural and commercial relations. Especially during the LBA, the similarities of Cilician wares with those of Central Anatolia increase visibly. This effect could also be have been reflected to architecture as seen in a huge building dated to Gözlükule LBA II and in fortification walls of Yümüktepe.Key Words: Çukurova, Central Anatolia, Kizzuwatna, Hittite, Pottery Relations