The Kadesh Peace Treaty, signed around 1259 BCE between Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II and Hittite King Ḫattušili III, marked the end of two centuries of conflict and is recognized as the oldest known peace proclamation in history. Recent archaeological discoveries in Turkey revealed a fragment of the treaty, specifically Articles 12–20, which address the treatment of refugees between the two nations. While not a full transcription yet, parts of the fragment emphasize the protection of citizens’ homes during conflict.
This find highlights the capacity for ancient kingdoms to establish mutual agreements, reflecting shared human values even in tumultuous times. The Kadesh Peace Treaty has been extensively documented with copies preserved in various forms, including UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
Cultural Minister Mehmet Nury Esroy commemorated this discovery, linking it to contemporary responsibilities toward human dignity and peace.
