İvriz Rock Relief
A rock relief from the period of the Kingdom of Tuwana, belonging to King Warpalavas. It is located in Aydınkent neighbourhood.
View on map5 places to visit in the Halkapınar district of Konya: İvriz Rock Relief, İvriz Waterfall and Eskihisar Mound. Plan your trip to Halkapınar with local food, practical tips and transport information.
The Kingdom of Tuwana, founded by the Proto-Hittites between 3000 and 2000 BC, had its centre in the Aydınkent (İvriz) neighbourhood and reigned between 1200 and 742 BC. The İvriz Rock Relief, which has survived from the Kingdom of Tuwana, belongs to King Warpalavas. The name of the Zanapa subdistrict was changed to Halkapınar in 1964.
The İvriz Stream and the Delimahmutlu Stream flow within the boundaries of the district; both water sources drain into the İvriz Dam, which opened in 1985.
The Kingdom of Tuwana reigned between 1200 and 742 BC. After the Turkish War of Independence, Halkapınar was organised as a subdistrict (nahiye) attached to Ereğli, and in 1954 it was organised as a town (kasaba) with a municipal administration. Halkapınar separated from Ereğli in 1990 to become a district. The water of the İvriz Dam, which opened in 1985, covers part of the fertile agricultural land in the region.
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A rock relief from the period of the Kingdom of Tuwana, belonging to King Warpalavas. It is located in Aydınkent neighbourhood.
View on mapA natural spring right beside the İvriz Rock Relief, fed by the Taurus Mountains and flowing all year round. Considered sacred since antiquity, this water source and the green areas around it are suitable for picnics and nature walks.
View on mapA mound studied within the KEYAR (Konya Ereğli Surface Survey) project, bearing traces of Bronze and Iron Age settlement. It is of archaeological importance for understanding the ancient settlement pattern south-east of the Konya plain.
View on mapA relief on a natural rock beside the İvriz Stream, depicting the god Tarhundas and Warpalavas; it lies about 4 km south of Halkapınar district.
View on mapA landscape area about 4 km south of Halkapınar district centre, used from the Late Bronze Age to the Late Antique period.
View on mapWhile you are in Halkapınar, you can also see the highlights of Konya province. These places are in other districts; Halkapınar is about 200 km from the provincial centre.
Etli ekmek, a traditional delicacy of Konya, is also prepared in Halkapınar by spreading minced meat and spices over thin dough and baking it in a stone oven.
A traditional dish prepared by simmering cracked wheat and meat for a long time; it is indispensable at wedding and festival feasts.
Thanks to the İvriz Rock Relief, Halkapınar is home to one of the most important cultural heritage sites of the Late Hittite period. The religious centre of the Kingdom of Tuwana in the 8th century BC, this region is one of the key points of Anatolian archaeology.
The economy of Halkapınar is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Wheat and barley are the main agricultural products. The district is one of the least populous districts of Konya.
Halkapınar is approximately 200 km from Konya city centre and 17 km from Ereğli district. Transport is by road.
The 5 highlights of Halkapınar are: İvriz Rock Relief, İvriz Waterfall, Eskihisar Mound, İvriz Rock Monument and İvriz Cultural Landscape.
Etli Ekmek and Keşkek are the standout dishes on tables in Halkapınar.
Halkapınar is known for its Wheat and Late Hittite Heritage. Dry farming takes place in Halkapınar, located south-east of the Konya plain, and wheat is the main crop.
Halkapınar is approximately 200 km from Konya city centre and 17 km from Ereğli district. Transport is by road.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn months (April–June, September–October).