Archaeological Discovery in Muradiye, Van: “Haldi Patari” Revealed as the Sacred City of the Urartian God Haldi
VAN, TURKEY – Recent archaeological excavations at Körzüt Castle in Muradiye district, conducted by Van Yüzüncü Yıl University (Van Y.Y.Ü.), have uncovered cuneiform tablets containing a significant historical revelation. The inscriptions, deciphered by researchers, identify the ancient site as “Haldi Patari”—meaning “The Sacred City of the God Haldi” in the Urartian language.
Key Findings:
- Divine Connection: The term “Haldi Patari” confirms the religious importance of the area during the Urartian Kingdom (9th–6th centuries BCE). Haldi was the chief deity of the Urartians, associated with war and protection.
- Historical Context: The discovery suggests Körzüt Castle was a major cult center or administrative hub dedicated to Haldi, aligning with known Urartian practices of building fortified cities in honor of their gods.
- Cultural Significance: This finding sheds new light on Urartian settlement patterns and religious practices in eastern Anatolia.
