An important salt source in Karapınar Konya - Meke Gölü (Meke Maar) and an equation proposal for liki "salt-lick" in the treaty between Kuruntija and Tuthalija IV

Abstract

A systematic archaeological survey in the Southeast provinces of Konya has started to reveal the settlement pattern of the Bronze and Iron Ages in this region, which sheds light on the geo-environment, economy, road networks, interactions and cultures. This paper will specifically deal with the region of and around Meke Gölü and Karacadaǧ, located in Karaplnar - Konya, and discuss the surveyed settlements and possible implications of the economy with salt trade as one of the main trade commodities. In this context the salt source of the saline lake Meke Gölü (Lake Meke), which is located south of Karacadaǧ, its significance and usage of salt will be explored. Finally, the equation of Meke Gölü with the liki (salt-lick) mentioned in the frontier description in the treaty between the Great Kings Kuruntija and Tuthalija IV on the well-known Bronze Tablet discovered in Boǧazköy - Hattuša, the capital of the Hittite Empire, will be suggested and debated.