TOURISM

HISTORICAL AND TOURISTIC PLACES

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Nemrut Dağı (Mt. Nemrut): Nemrut Dağı contains the tumulus and statutes constructed during the rein of Antiochus I of the Kommagene Kingdom. It is roughly 53 miles from central Adiyaman and 35 miles from the town of Kahta. The tumulus (about 160 feet in height), under which the king is believed to be buried, is made of stone chips from the surrounding rocks. The site is actually a shrine built on three traces (east, north and south), created after leveling the three sides of the mountaintop.

The shrine contains, on east and west terraces, colossal statutes of gods Zeus, Apollo, the king, queen and other less important figures of worship. These Greek-Roman gods are dressed in Persian garb reflecting the kingdom’s tenacious place between two powerful empires.

Old Kahta (Arsemia): Arsemia was the summer capital of Kommagene. Its most significant archeological features are a marble relief of king Mithras and one of Antiochus shaking hand with Hercules. At the site there is also a tunnel (450 feet long) that is carved in the mountain. The tunnel leads to the Kahta River and was built, it is believed for religious ceremonies as well as a escape route in case of trouble. In Old Kahta itself there is an ancient castle that was last repaired by the Memluks in 8th century. The castle too has a steep stairway that leads all the way to the river.

Cendere Bridge: This bridge is about 35 miles from Adiyaman and 10 from Kahta. The Roman bridge spans the Kahta River and is constructed by using 92 pieces of carved stone. The bridge, according to inscription carved on its stones, was built during the time of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, 192-211. The four columns (two at each entrance) are said to be in honor of his wife and children. Today only three remain, the fourth, in the honor of his son Geta having been removed by his brother Caracalla after becoming the emperor in 211.   

Karakuş(Blackbird) Mound: This tumulus, where king Antiochus’s mother is believed to be buried, is 7 miles from Kahta. At the south and west end of the tumulus there are four 30-feet columns. On top of these columns there are statues of lions, bulls, and eagles (therefore the name Karakuş), as well as a relief of a king shaking hands with a god.

Gerger Castle: The castle is located at the edge of rocks overlooking the Euphrates River. It is believed the castle has a history that extends all the way to Hittites, more than 3,500 years ago. The castle was also an important place for the Kommagene kingdom; there is a huge relief of king Samos within the castle walls.

Derik Castle: Derik castle is located 6 miles north of Gendere bridge, in the village of Koçgün. Koçgün was an important holy site of the Kommagene kingdom.

Dikilitaş (Sesonk): This tumulus, thought to belong to the Kommagene kingdom is on Kızıldağ near the town of Besni. The tumulus, which was constructed by chunks of stone, has three dual columns around it.

Pirin (Perre) Cave Tombs: Perre was a burial site during early Roman period. Digs around the site have so far revealed 208 cave tombs. The city of Perre was one of the largest during the Roman period; it was also an important city during Kommagene and Byzantium periods. The site, which is 3 miles from Adıyaman contains a Roman fountain (still in use) as well as castle walls, parts of which are still visible.

Polanlı cave: This cave, which is 6 miles north of Adiyaman contains a figure of a deer that is estimated to be painted during Paleolithic period more than 40,000 years ago.

Haydaran Rock Tombs: This site is about 10 miles from Adiyaman and contains rock tombs from Kommagene period as well as a relief of king Antiochus shaking hands with sun god Helios.

Beş Tepeler: This site, 17 miles from Adiyaman in the village of Ilıca, contains six tumulus graves belonging to the Kommagene kingdom.

Zey (Zağ): This site is 5 miles from Adiyaman and contains living quarters, carved out of rock and caves, pf early Christians. There is also the tomb of Şeyh Abbdurrahman and a chapel on this site.    

Besni Castle:  Besni castle was constructed by the Hittites roughly 3,500 years ago over a high hill. It was later restored by the Memluks. Seljuks and ottomans used the castle as well for defensive purposes.

Karadağ Tumulus: This tumulus also contains graves for significant officials of Kommagene kingdom. The stone clippings have been removed but a 30-foot grave, which was carved in the rocks remains.

Malpınarı: This site contains Hittite stone-tablet writing on the face of the rock, 6 feet by three feet. The rock was was smoothed for this purpose. The writing dates back to the late Hittite period, 900-600 BCE. 

 Göksu Bridge: This bridge, betweenthe villages of Gümüşkaya and Axcin, is 20 miles from Adıyaman. The Roman bridge’s construction is similar the Cendere’s. One of the bridge’s three spans has collapsed.

Adiyaman Castle and Mound: The mound was is from the Kommagene period. In 13th century a castle containing the mound was built by the Abbasi kingdom. Today the original castle walls are no longer there, having been replaced by new walls. The mound itself is a public park.

Oturakçı Bazaar: This is a “old-fashioned” shopping area of Adiyaman. Here rugs, kilims, handbags and all kinds of other handcrafted items are sold to locals as well as tourists.

Adiyaman Museum: The museum has two main sections. The archeological section contains artifacts from stone age to the Ottoman period, and contains works of all civilizations (Hittite, Medes, Kommagene, Roman and others) that had a presence in the region. The folk art section of the museum contains kilims, carpets and other handcrafted items unique to the region.

In 1990 more than 80,000 tourists visited Adiyaman; that number fell to 2,037 in 1994 due to threat of terrorism in the region. There has been a steady increase since then, resulting in 29,097 tourists in 1999.

 

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