NEMRUT DAGI
(MT NEMRUD)
Nemrut
Dagi (Mt. Nemrut) is the first impressive peak rising from a flat plain
in Northern Mesopotamia and stretches to a height of 2150 metres. It is
matchless in its historical treasures. 
The
original peak was removed and in its place was constructed the Tumulus
of Antiochos 1, one of the kings of Commagene when it was at its height
of power and art expression during the 1st century B.C. This interesting
structure was made by heaping up pieces of rocks to make the 50 m x 150
m mound. The east and west terraces of this mound are open-air temples.
On these 
terraces are statues of lions, eagles, five gigantic god statues,
four male and one female. Dexiosis type reliefs are in a good state of
preservation. On the western terrace the heads of these statues have been
toppled but are in good condition. These heads alone are taller than a
man. On the eastern terrace the 9m high statues are well enough preserved
to see the gods sitting on their thrones. The statues are in the same order
on both terraces; Apollo, Tyche the Commagene god of fertility, Zeus, Antiochus
and Hercules. Reliefs of the genealogy of Antiochus as well as others are
now being restored. Opposite, at the other end of the terrace, is an altar
with several steps leading up to it from all four sides.
ADIYAMAN
AND ENVIRONS
This
area lies in the southeast of Turkey in the central Firat (Euphrates) region.
According to archaeological research the history of the area goes back
to the Paleolithic Age. During the Neolithic Age (8000-7000 B.C.) Gritille,
Hayaz, Ancoz and Samsat were the main culture centres. After the Early
Bronze Age the Hittites lived here and formed the Anatolian Federation.
The region was populated successively by Mitanni, Urartians, Assyrians,
Persians, Macedonians, the people of Commagene, Romans, Byzantines, Abbasidas,
Omayyads, Seljuks, i Ikhanians, Mameluks and the Ottoman Empire. In the
centre of Adiyaman are the remains of a fortress built by the Omayyad Caliph,
Hisn-i Mansur, in the VIII century and later restored by the Seljuks. Today
this fortress is a park. A mosque, Ulu Cami, from the 14th century is of
importance. A colourful place for shopping is the Oturakçi Çarsisi
where you can buy local handicrafts, rugs, kilims and saddle bags. The
ancient city of Perre, today called Pirin, is 5 km from Adiyaman. The city
ruins and 208 caves in the rocks, where there are human reliefs, are of
historical importance. At the Adiyaman Museum you will find on display
archaeological and ethnographical finds from various historical periods.
The museum is open everyday except Mondays.
In order to reach Mountain Nemrut,
which is 83km from Adiyaman and 48km from Kahta, one proceeds by minibus
or taxi through Narince and Karadut up to 1km from the top. Here there
is a rest area. Walking along a path from the rest area for 20 minutes
one reaches the tumulus. The view is spectacular and it is worth the climb
to view the sunrise and sunset. To be enveloped by this natural beauty
and live in history will leave one with an impression for a lifetime. May
October is the best time to visit the region.
ESKIKAHTA
Eski
Kale is near Eski Kahta (Kocahisar) and is the ancient fortress of Arsameia,
built with no small effort on a steep cliff. Its walls and parapets are
still in good condition. On a special path, that was used for religious
ceremonies leading up the mountain side, is a statue pointing the direction
to the temple. Another 100 meters farther along is a Dexiosis relief showing
a hand-shaking scene between King Mithradates and Hercules, carved in about
50 B.C. Near this relief are rooms hollowed into the rock that were particularly
used for religious ceremonies. Following along this footpath still upward
one comes to the largest rock inscription in Anatolia. It tells of the
political intentions and the religious beliefs of the Commagene Kingdom,
that Arsameia was its capital and that Mithridates, the father of Antioches
I, was buried there. Just below this inscription is a large opening that
descends by a stone stairway to a depth of 158 metres. This passageway
leads to Arsameia but now it is blocked off half-way along. Above this
inscription, following the path up the mountainside, are the foundations
and mosaic floors of the Arsameia Palace.
YENI KALE
Yeni Kale is the second fortress
and is located in the village of Kocahisar just opposite Eski Kale. The
Kahta River runs between the two. This fortress is built on a 300-350 metre
high rock. Archeologists have proven it to be the fortress for the kings
of Commagene. Certain additions were made in Mameluk times to give the
appearance that it has today. The castle is surrounded by high walls with
only one entrance gate. Inside are houses, shopping areas, a bazaar, a
mosque, cisterns, a jail and a dungeon.
CENDERE
BRIDGE
A surviving Roman bridge built in
the time of Septimus Severus, it spans the Kahta River in one single arch.
It is constructed of 92 stones each weighing about 10 tons. The three columns,
two at one end and one at the other, are 9-10 metres in height.
KARAKUS
TUMULUS
This 35 metre high tumulus is the
funerary monument of the Commagene royal families. The tumulus is surrounded
by four 9-10 metre high columns that are surmounted by large animal figures.
CLIMATE
A continental climate with hot, dry
summers, and cold winters. However, in the summer the nights are cool.
The average temperature varies from 30C - 20C during the summer months.
