ADIYAMAN
Area: 7.614 km²
Population: 513.131 (1990)
Traffic Code: 02
Located at the west of Southeastern Anatolia Region, taking ıts stage in history
rather early dating back to the existence of first man and hosting various
different cultures ,Adıyaman is an important culture and tourism center. Along
with this, Adıyaman is known to be one of the oldest settlements on Earth;
discoveries from every human phase are found on the region. Adıyaman also
fascinates its visitors with the ruins of Mt. Nemrut known as the 8th Wonder of
World, the ruins of Commagene, Atatürk Dam ,the fourth biggest dam in the world,
Çamgazi Dam, Winter Camping Organisation and finally with the world champion
local folk dances.
Districts : Besni, Çelikhan, Gerger, Gölbaşı, Kahta, Samsat, Sincık and Tut.
How to Get
Highway: Adıyaman can be reached through five different directions by highway
from Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Malatya, Kahramanmaraş and Diyarbakır. Gölbaşı County
in Adıyaman is an exact intersection place, Malatya Kahramanmaraş - Gaziantep
highway arrival is possible only through Gölbaşı .
Coach station Tel : (+90-416) 216 35 35
Railway: also Railway arrival is provided by Gölbaşı county, Malatya - Fevzi
Pasha railway passes through this county.
Railway station Tel : (+90-416) 781 60 80
Airway: Regular flights are present to Adıyaman airport.
Airport Tel : (+90-416) 244 20 02
Dam arrrival: The high way that passes through Adıyaman binds all southeastern
cities including Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır. There are also ferry boat tours in
Güzelsu village to reach Şanlıurfa and Siverek.
Where to Visit
ANCIENT CITIES
Arsameia Ruins (Nymphaios Arsameia): It is understood from the Inscriptions of
King Antiochos I that Arsameia was built in the first quarter of the Second
Century BC, by the order of Arsemez (ancestor of Commagene) at the east of Kahta
River, facing the Old Kahta Castle . It was the summer capital and the
administrative centre of the Kingdom.
On the east ceremony way an embossed relief of Mithradates, above the rite
platform , displays Herakles shaking hands with Mithradates. In front of the
rite platform is an inscription in Greek known as the biggest inscription found
in Anatolia. A tunnel beginning at the front of the inscription deep in to 158
meter and also at the west of the inscription a similar rocky vestibule exists.
Tomb temple and Palace of Mithradates Callinichos take place on the platform.
Arsameia ruins are 60 km to Adıyaman.
New Castle: New Castle is located nearby Kocahisar Village which is 60 km to
Adıyaman. New Castle was built by the Commagenes and used together with Arsemeia.
Romans and Mamluks restored the Castle and finally in 1970's the castle was
partly repaired. In the castle are a bazaar, a Mosque, a dungeon, water canals,
ruins of pigeon loft and inscriptions . A water canal flawing from the castle
down through to Nymphois was bound to Arsameia by a tunnel. It is still possible
to reach the water through the water canal which has an 80 meter length.
Derik Castle: It was built on a hill of 1400 m altitude near the Datgeli village
on the Sincik Highway. Estimated to be built by Roman Empire in 70 AC, and used
by them till 300 AC, the castle, houses a huge temple and is known as the holy
place of the region. Besides, the ruins of Temenos which were built during the
period of Commagenes, are placed nearby the castle.
Gerger Castle (Arsameia of Euphrates): The castle taking place in the west shore
of Euphrates (Fırat) , 85 km to Adıyaman's Kahta County, can even be dated to
Late Hittite Period. The castle was constructed by Arsames, the ancestor of
Commagenes. Being built on precipitous rocks,the Gerger Castle is divided into
two sections as the lower castle and upper castle and at the west walls of the
castle is an embossed relief of King Samos.In the Castle which is also used
during Islamic period are shops, a Mosque and water cisterns.
Perre Antique City: The ruins of Perre Antique City are located 5 kilometres to
Adıyaman city centre. The ruins taking place in Pirin Village, include
approximately 200 cave tombs and a settlement place. This necropolis and its
vicinity dated at Antique Age, was an important settlement place of the
Commagene period, however especially during Roman Period it became a developed
city. The ruins consist of gates decorated with embossed reliefs and tomb rooms
that are engraved in rocks and connected to each other .
NEMRUT DAĞI
At the junction of the East and West civilisations, Nemrut Dagi (Mount Nemrut)
is one of the most astounding sites in Turkey: A collection of colossal statues
on a remote mountain 2150m high, adorning the temple and tomb of King Antiochus.
Unknown until 1881 when an Ottoman geologist discovered these 10 metre-high
stone heads, archaeological work began in 1953 to uncover their history.
Nemrut Dağı has since been a significant attraction, with thousands coming at
sunrise and sunset to see the stones in the best possible light. It has been
designated a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, and is one of the most
important National Parks in the country. In addition to the statues, the entire
site includes art from the Commagene civilisation, the Eskikale (Old Castle),
Yenikale (New Castle), Karakus Hill and Cendere Bridge. Most people use the
nearby towns of Malatya, Kahta or Adıyaman as a base, and the road to the summit
is only open from mid-April to mid-October because of heavy snow the rest of the
year.
FAITH TOURISM
Nemrut (Kahta): It is 103 km east from Adıyaman. It was formed with accumulation
of crushed rocks on a main rock of tumulus. Terraces are formed with smoothing
the main rock at east, west and north of the tumulus;moreover, god statues and
relieves are arranged in colossal Greko - Persia style at east and west
terraces.
Arsemia: It is 63 kilometers from Adıyaman, on the east bank of Kahta stream.
There are relieved illustration of Mitras on ceremonial road at south, and a
rock depicitng Antiochos - Heracles greeting on ceremony platform and before
this the biggest inscription of Anatolia an epitaph in the language of ancient
Greece.
MOUND TUMULUS and MONUMENTS
Karakuş Tumulus (Women's Monument Tomb): Located at Adıyaman-Kahta enterance in
south-west of the National Park ,the Monumental Tomb was built by Commagene's
King Mithradates II and was dedicated to his mother Isas. Because of the symbol
of eagle on the top of the columns, it was named as Karakuş(black bird) Tumulus.
There were four columns in each east, west and south directions, however today
only two at east, one at west and one at south remain. On the east columns are
ruins of lion and eagle statues, on the west columns ,on the other hand, grounds
a relief of 'shaking hands' and on the ground remain pieces of lion statue.
Karakuş Tumulus determined as the entrance of Mt Nemrut is also located in the
National Park.
Sofraz Tumulus: 45 km to the city centre and 15 km to Besni country. Placed at
Üçgöz (Sofraz) village. The Tomb having 15 m height was covered by shattered
stones and debris.
Sesönk (Obelisk): The Monumental tomb is located at 33 km south-east of Besni
district and was built by Commagene's King Mithradates II on Kızıldağ
Mountain.The tomb was surrounded by 3 columns, each having 10 meters height. On
these columns are embossed figures of women, men and lions .
Karadağ Tumulus: 5 km from Adıyaman ,Karadağ Tumulus lies on the slope of
Karadağ Mountain . It has a rock tomb consisting of two sections.
Beştepeler: 25 km from Adıyaman, inside the Ilıcak village borders are 6 tumulus
tombs that are covered by hoarded stones. It is estimated that these tombs were
built for royal family members of Commagene Kingdom .
Malpınarı Rock Inscription: Located approximately 35 kilometres from Adıyaman at
the Malpınar locality. There is a hieroglyph inscription engraved on natural
rock and settlements carved on rocks, which are all dated at Late Hittite
Period.
BRIDGES
Cendere Bridge: It is located at the north-east of Karakuş Tumulus , 55
kilometres from Adıyaman .Cendere Bridge consists of a big arch built with 92
large shattered stones on two main rocks at the most narrow place of Kahta river
and a secondary arch at the east side of the bridge.
The columns of the bridge were constructed with elasticity to make the bridge
resistable to earthquakes. Below this bridge placed another bridge that has 5
arches and was built at Commagene Antiochos Theos Period.However, it was
destroyed by the Romans.
Göksu - Kızılin Bridge: The bridge dated back to Roman period was built on a
rocky place between Gümüşkaya and Ağcin villages. Except for the middle arch the
bridge in general is in good condition.
Golden Bridge: Bridge has one big arch and tree other arches getting smaller
each after another. The stones of the Bridge were put together with compress
method without using a plaster. There are 63 lines of stone at the west side and
70 lines of stone at east side of the arch. In total nineteen line of stones
were used.
ROCK TOMBS
Haydaran Rock Tombs: Located 17 kilometres from Adıyaman, in Taşgedik village.
There are rock tombs and embossed relief of God of Sun Hellias shaking hands
with King Antiochos .
Turuş Rock Tombs: Turuş Rock Tombs dated at Roman Period are placed 40
kilometres from Adıyaman city centre and one kilometre west of
Adıyaman-Şanlıurfa Highway. Since the tombs were built through engraving the
main rock from the surface to the underground, one can reach the entrance of the
tombs through 10-13 steps. In some tombs there are various figures embossed on
the walls and entrences of gates.
Dolmen's: There are Dolmen type tombs at the rocky places in the west of the
Obelisk, near Hozişi village. These tombs were erected through stacking two huge
rocks resebling a raft.These tombs were thought to be remainig from Stone Age.
Zey: Located 7 kilometres to Adıyaman, near Zey village. Zey consists of
settlement units used by the people of Early Christian Period. Moreover, in the
village tomb of Sheikh Abdurrahman Erzincani and a mosque take place.
CAVES
Göksu Caves: Across the Göksu river are natural caves on a 40 - 50 meter high
precipitous rocks. Caves are concentrated around Kızılin and Sarıkaya villages
on Besni side, Gümüş Kaya and Mal Pınarı on Adıyaman side.
Palanlı Cave: Placed in Palanlı village, 10 kilometres west of Adıyaman, on
Adıyaman - Çelikhan - Malatya Highway. It is a natural cave that was used in
40.000 BC. On the wall of the cave a deer motive, which is made by simple
counter lines, is still noticeable.Especially the deep valley where the cave
takes place is a unique part of nature.
Kitap (Book) Cave: In Book Cave are settlement units having two floors built
through carving the rocks.They are named as (iron castle 1) and known to be used
by the people of Early Christian Period. Caves can be reached on foot from
İndere village (Zey).
Gümüşkaya (Palaş) Caves: Located at 40 kilometres south-west of Adıyaman, at the
west of Göksu river and the village (named by the river). There are various
caves on the rocks connected to each other with tunnels. They were known to be
used as a residence and thought to be built in 150 B.C. These caves had
balconies, divisional rooms, wells, yet the entrances are of one person width.
RELIGİOUS MONUMENTS
Ulu Mosque, Çarşı Mosque, Kab Mosque, Musalla Mosque, St. Paul Church are the
most important ones.
THERMAL RESORTS
Çelikhan Thermal Resorts: It is located in 23 km southwest of Çelikhan district.
The water of the spring is beneficial for those suffering from stomach, liver,
gall bladder, and kidney disorders and obesity.
Besni Thermal Resorts: It is located in 6 kilometres north-east of Besni
district. This spring water is useful for kidney disorders, chronic
constipation, guts and stomach inflammation.
Kotur Thermal Resorts: It is 25 kilometres to Adıyaman. It is a cold water,
mineral spring located 5 kilometres from Akçalı village. This spring water is
useful for some guts and stomach disorders.
NATIONAL PARKS
Adıyaman - Nemrut Dağı National Park
Location: Nemrut Dagi National Park lies between Kahta (9km) and Adiyaman
(43km).
Transport: The park can be reached by the road connecting the centre of Adiyaman
to Kahta.
Highlights: Most famous site of all, and one of the best-known images of Turkey,
are the huge sculptures of gods on the mountain. In addition, it is also the
site of tumulus of Antioch, Arsameia (Eskikale), Yenikale (New Castle), Karakus
Tepe (Peak), and Cemdere Bridge. In the ancient city of Commagene, King
Mithridates I established an independent kingdom, which gained importance during
the reign of King Antioch (62 - 32 BC), the son of Mithridates. In 72 AD, the
Commageneians lost the war against the Roman Empire, after which they also lost
their independence.
The ruins on top of Nemrut Dagi indicate that it was not a residence, but
specifically built for the tumulus of Antioch and his sacred space. The tumulus
is at an altitude of 2150m and overlooks the River Firat and the neighbouring
plains. It is thought that the king's bones or ashes were put inside the room
carved into the main rock, then covered by the tumulus which is 50m high and
150m in diameter. The courtyards are shaped like terraces, and religious
ceremonies were held on the western side.
On both terraces, the huge sculptures of the gods, measuring up to 7m high, are
positioned between the lion and eagle sculptures. These are surrounded by great
stone blocks, arranged perpendicularly with inscriptions and embossed designs.
The capital city of Commagene, Arsameia, is in the neighbourhood of the old
Kahta village. The holy field of Mithridates is also in that area.
Yenikale is also of great historic interest, and in the area of old Kahta. This
castle was built on very steep rocks, and has water depots, baths, mosque, and a
hidden water road that leads to river Kahta.
Cendere Bridge, built with one arch on two rocks, crosses the narrowest point of
the river Cendere. According to the epitaph written on the columns of the
bridge, the Commagene cities had built it in honour of Roman Emperor Septimus
Severus (193-211 AD) and his wife and sons. Karakus Peak Tumulus, in which the
women of the royal family were buried, is a 21m tall tumulus 10km south-west of
Arsameia.
Bears, wolves, jackals, foxes and badgers inhabit the nearby forest.
Facilities: Food and accommodation is available in the national park, with
hotels in Nemrut Dagi and pensions in Karadut and Kahta.
ATATURK DAM and GAP
Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), is a multi sectoral and complex regional
development programme of Southeastern Anatolia Region consisting 9 cities (Adıyaman,
Batman, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Kilis, Mardin, Siirt, Şanlıurfa and Şırnak). At
the beginning the aim of the project covers only the improvement of water and
soil resources, but in 1989 after the preparation of GAP Master Plan; the
project evolved to a multi sectoral and complex regional development plan. The
most important step of the project is the Atatürk Dam which is known to be the
biggest dam of Türkiye and 8th biggest Dam of the world. With Atatürk Dam, which
is located in the borders of Adıyaman and ŞanlıUrfa, soil resurrects from years
of drought and the economy of the region developed rapidly.
On the other hand, Dam Lake which is called as "sea" by the local people, gives
a great variety to the touristic capacity of the region. Fishing and water
sports are now available in lake life.
MUSEUMS
Adıyaman Musuem it takes place on Atatürk Boulevard. In Archaeological ruins
section, exhibitions begining from Paleothic Age include hand axes of flintstone,
drilling and digging equipment, obsidian arrow heads, cooked clay figures. Also
ceramics, glass furnitures, bone tools, gold, silver and bronze ornaments,
figures, stamp and cylinder seal exhibits dated to various times; Calcolithic
Age, Begining, Middle And Late Bronze Ages, Iron Age, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk
and Ottoman Periods. Moreover there are stone reliefs from Late Hittite Period,
some coins and mosaic samples pertaining to Commagene Kingdom.
In Ethnographic Works section, are examples of weaved objects rugs, carpets,
cicim, rug - pillow, women and men clothes, silver ornaments, house furniture
all collected from Adıyaman region. Some stone works of museum were displayed at
inner garden.
Museum Tele: (+90-416) 216 29 29 Open hours to visit: 08.30-12.00 , 13.00-17.30
Geography
The climate of Adıyaman is terrestrial so summers are hot and dry, whereas
winters are cold and snowy.
History
In Adıyaman; Hittites, Asurians, Hurris, Phyrigians, Persians, Macedonians,
Commagenes, Romans and Byzantines had lived through history.The city was founded
by an Emevi Commander Masur İbni Caneve in 8th Century. After Emevi's dominance
came to an end Abbasi, Eyyübi, Seljuk, Mamluks and Ottomans took control of the
city respectively. In 1923 it was a district dependent to Malatya, finally after
1954 it became a province.
Where to Eat
Raw meatballs, içli meatballs, basalla (sour meatballs), cılbır, lentil metballs,
pestil (dried layer of fruit pulp), yapıştırma and hıtap are some of the famous
meals of Adıyaman. There are restaurants in the city centre serving local meals.
In Kahta district fish can be eaten on the shore of Dam Lake. Accomodatian
Facilities and cafeterias on the highway to Mt Nemrut , give opportunity to eat
and drink.
What to Buy
At the center of Adıyaman there is a historical market called as Oturakçı Bazaar
that offers exquisite handcrafts such as rugs, carpets, cicim, saddlebag and
some touristic equipment. Nemrut statues can be bought as a present in touristic
kiosks in Mt Nemrut. Also in these kiosks guidebooks about the history of the
region in various languages can be found.
Don't Leave Without
- Watching sunrise and sunset from Nemrut mountain,
- Seeing the remains of Commagene Civilisation ,
- Tasting fish in fish restaurants of Kahta at the shore of Atatürk Dam,
- Visiting Adıyaman Museum,
- Buying local hand woven carpets, rugs, cicim, saddle bag and offcourse Nemrut
statues
Sites
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Adıyaman
Sites
Archeological Sites: 80
Urban Sites: -
Natural Sites: 4
Historical Sites: -
Total: 84 Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural Heritages: 91
TOTAL: 175
Contact Information
Governorship : (+90-416) 216 10 01
Municipality : (+90-416) 216 10 20
Hospital : (+90-416) 216 10 15
Police : (+90-416) 216 10 70
Gendarme : (+90-416) 216 1092
Provincial Directorate : (+90-416)216 10 08 - 216 38 40
Tourism Information Office : (+90-416) 216 51 31
Provincial Culture Directorate : (+90-416) 216 12 59 - 216 19 91 Fax: (416) 216
24 78
Adıyaman Museum Address:
Atatürk Cad. Adıyaman
Tel: (416) 216 29 29
Fax: (416) 216 98 98
Links
Adıyaman Governorship http://www.adiyaman.gov.tr/valilik/valilik_giris.html
The International Nemrud Foundation http://www.nemrud.nl/
