April snowfall transforms ancient Hittite capital Hattusa in Türkiye into winter wonderland

CORUM, TÜRKİYE - APR. 9, 2025: An unexpected April snowfall blanketed the ancient city of Hattusa in central Türkiye on Wednesday, Apr. 9, turning the UNESCO World Heritage site into a stunning winter landscape.Located in the Bogazkale district of central Türkiye’s Corum province, Hattusa was once the capital of the Hittite Empire and served as a political and cultural center for over 450 years.The snow lent a picturesque quality to the 8,000-year-old site, covering its iconic landmarks including the Lion Gate, Bogazkoy Sphinxes, Yesiltas, and the nearby Yazilikaya Rock Sanctuary.Surrounded by a 7-kilometer-long city wall and spanning a settlement area of 2 square kilometers, the site sits 80 kilometers southwest of the city of Corum.Its rich history and scenic location—particularly the Budakozu Valley—make it a popular destination for visitors year-round.The snowfall added a new dimension to the ancient ruins, drawing attention to the harmony between the natural environment and the archaeological marvels of the Hittite civilization.Hattusa is listed on both UNESCO’s World Heritage and Memory of the World registers.(Footage by Şahin Şeker /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)