It was known in Hittite as Masuwari. The city remained largely Neo-Hittite up to its conquest by the Neo-Assyrian Empire in the 856 BC and the Luwian language was used even after that.
Masuwari was recognized as such in Hittite. The city maintained its predominantly Neo-Hittite identity until it was conquered by the Neo-Assyrian Empire in 856 BC, and even after that, the Luwian language continued to be spoken.