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TOURISM |
HISTORICAL AND TOURISTIC PLACES |
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
kingdoms 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 Antiochuss 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 bridges construction is similar the
Cenderes. One of the bridges 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.
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