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Adiyaman
An important touristic
site, possessing great natural, historical and cultural values, is Adiyaman,
situated in the southeastern part of Turkey. At an altitude of 669 m, the land
is mountainous, the extensions of the Taurus Mountains covering the northern
side. The famous Euphrates (Firat) River flows through the region and delineates
the eastern and southern borders of the province.
Being very close to the
plain of old Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Adiyaman has
been a center of history having witnessing the earliest ages. There exist
artifacts dating back to the 4th- millenium BC, like the paintings in the
Palanil Cave. Signs of neolithic and calcholithic ages are found at the
tumuluses of Gritille and Samsat. Changing hands from Hittites to Commagenes,
then from Seljuks to Ottomans, this province has seen many civilizations,
remains of which are spread all over the land.
95 kms northeast from
Adiyaman, the impressive peak of Mount Nemrut is the most outstanding landmark
of the region. It is the highest mountain of northern Mesopotamia, reaching a
height of 2150 meters, and is a unique historical treasure possessing marvelous
sights. On its summit there exists the tumulus of Antiochus I, one of the kings
of Commagene, constructed in the 1stcentury BC. This mound, made by heaping up
pieces of rock, is surrounded by terraces where gigantic toppled heads of
Apollo, Zeus, Hercules, Tyche, and Antiochus from GrecoPersian style stone
statues stand on the ground all of these date from the same period. At the foot
of the ancient Nymphaios (Eski Kale), there is the magnificent relief of
Hercules greeting the Commagene king, Mitradtes, and also evidence of remains
which might have been the Commagene Palace of opposite, separated by the Eski
Kahta river, are the remains of Yeni Kale (new castle) which was built by the
Mameluks. Nearby are the remains of a Roman bridge at Cendere and the Karakus
royal tumulus. The Derik and Gerger fortresses, the Palanil Cave, the Haydaran
Rock Tombs, the Karadag Tumulus, Zey, Bestepeler and Malpinan are other
historical sites worth visiting. Besides seeing these historical beauties, it is
worth to climb here to feel the charm of nature, coupled with the fascinating
views of sunrise and sunset.
Another interesting site
is the necropolis of Pirin (Perre), 5 kms north of Adiyaman which is an ancient
city of early Roman times. At this site also called the "Pirin caves" there are
208 tombs carved into the rock, with other remains some of which are still in
use like the Roman fountain and Byzantine city walls. In addition to the
historical many ruins in the area, the Ataturk dam, the fourth largest in the
world, constructed across the river, Euphrates is here in this region being a
special place of interest. This dam, 40 kms from Adiyaman, is the center-piece of
the enormous Southern Anatolian Project (GAP), provides for agriculture and
energy and is worth seeing. The lake to be formed will become an important
tourist center in the near future.
Other lakes found in this
region are the Golbasi and Abdulharap Lakes beautifying the land with their
wonderful scenery, and offering wide opportunities for fishing and hunting. The
mineral springs of Celikhan, Kotur and Besni, on the other hand, are thermal
centers to be visited for relief from various illnesses.
A last stopover in this
city should be at the Adiyaman Museum, which houses archaeological finds from
the area, together with the local ethnographic works. The specialty of the
region is good quality kilims, woven with various colours and sold at low prices.
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TransAnatolie Tour
- A - Group
License N°4938 - The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism
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