Turkey Holiday Diary 4 min read
Mount Nemrut, located to the north of Adiyaman’s Kahta district, is known as a part of the Taurus mountain range. Nemrut Mountain is also known for its historical remains, which are located at the summit. Thanks to the worldwide interest in the relics, UNESCO’s “World Heritage List” entered on December 11, 1987.
The Commagene Kingdom
After the dissolution of Alexander the Great’s empire, a new kingdom named Commagene was established by Antiochus (69-34 BC), north of Syria and the Euphrates river. It is believed to be the tomb of Antiochus I. Antiochus in the temple located at the summit of Mount Nemrut, located within the boundaries of Commagene.
At the 2150-meter peak of the mountain, there are gigantic sculptures representing seven gods, representing five gods. Some of the stone blocks surrounding the temple have a weight of 9 tons. At that time, it is still unknown how the stones are removed from Nemrut Mountain, which is not even in the way, in tons of weight.
The Commagene kingdom occupied a strategic position between the Roman Empire and Parthia. This location brought wealth through trade but also required diplomatic skill to maintain independence. King Antiochus claimed descent from both Alexander the Great and Persian royalty.
The Mystery of Mount Nemrut
Until 1881, except for a few peasants, nobody knew the remains of the top of Mount Nemrut. In 1881, Charles Sester, an engineer in the road construction project in Diyarbakir, estimated that the first researches in the region were remnants of the Assyrians. And he submitted his research to the whole world.
As a result of the information he received from Sester, Otto Puchstein, a German scientist and Charles Sester, a German engineer, first worked with a team of six. In the archaeological excavations in the temple, many historical artifacts were removed from the soil. Uncovering the Greek inscription found in the excavations, Puchstein discovered that the remains were belonging to the Commagene Civilization and were made by Antiochos the 1st King of Commagene. The inscription contains the secret of Nemrud Mountain and the laws of Antiochos.
The Secrets of the Sculptures on Nemrut
King I. Athiokhos was a king who aimed to unite all cultures and for this reason he was supposed to have made sculptures that would bring together the gods of other cultures. The inscriptions on the excavations clearly state which gods the statues belong to. From left to right these sculptures will be seen to belong to King Antiochos I, Fortuna Thyce, god Zeus (Oromasdes), god Apollo (Mithras-Helios-Hermes) and Heracles (Artagnes-Ares-Hercules).
The heads of the sculptures sitting on the throne were buried under the earth for years as a result of natural events that took place years ago and the destruction of other civilizations.
Visiting Mount Nemrut
Most visitors time their visit for sunrise or sunset when golden light illuminates the stone heads dramatically. The eastern terrace receives morning light while western terrace glows at sunset. Both experiences prove unforgettable, though sunrise attracts larger crowds.
The summit can be cold even in summer due to altitude. Warm clothing is essential regardless of season. The final approach requires a short but steep climb from the parking area.
Getting There
Adiyaman serves as the main base for Mount Nemrut visits. Tours depart from Adiyaman and Kahta, typically leaving early morning or late afternoon to catch optimal light. The journey involves scenic mountain roads with dramatic views.
Some visitors stay overnight in simple accommodations near the mountain to experience both sunset and sunrise. This allows unhurried exploration of the site’s terraces and inscriptions.
Practical Information
The site remains open year-round, though winter snow may restrict access. Summer months from June through September offer most reliable conditions. The entrance fee supports ongoing conservation efforts at this remarkable archaeological site.
Our previous article Gülhane Park in our article titled Historical Places, Istanbul ve Nature provides information about.
4 Comments
Watching sunrise at Nemrut with the giant heads was surreal! One of the most unique places in the world.
The drive up is scenic and the sunrise tour is worth waking up early! Unforgettable experience.
The ancient statues at 2000 meters altitude are mind-blowing! How did they build this? Amazing!
Nemrut is a must for history lovers! The sunset side has equally impressive statues. Both worth seeing!