The Urartian rock cut signs, commonly referred to as "Monumental rock cut signs,"are typically geometric shapes engraved into rocks and are often located near settlements, fortresses, and burial sites. These carvings provide valuable insights into the religious, cultural, and social structures of the Urartian civilization. Scholars have proposed various theories regarding their meaning, function, and purpose. Some suggest that the carvings served as sacred symbols to protect against evil spirits, while the prevailing view interprets them as indicators of sacred areas associated with religious rituals. More recent research proposes that certain carvings had practical applications, such as molds for producing wooden components of Urartian war chariots. In 2023, surface surveys conducted at Torabitepe in the Hınıs district of Erzurum revealed rock carvings and metal artifacts associated with Urartian culture. The findings suggest that the site functioned as a typical open-air ritual area, although several of the carvings exhibit signs of damage. Architectural traces and metal objects discovered at the site provide new insights into Urartian art, while XRF analyses of the metal artifacts contribute important information on the mining and metallurgical practices of rural Urartian centers. Overall, the Torabitepe rock carvings reflect the region’s cultural and ritual importance, and further research will likely enhance our understanding of Urartian society and its material culture.
KÖSE et al. (2026) studied this question.