NEMRUT: Throne of Gods
95 km 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 1st century 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; Greco-Persian style stone statues stand on the ground.
At the foot of the ancient Nymphaios (Eski Kale), there is the magnificent relief of Hercules greeting the Commagene king, Mithridates, 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 Mamelukes.
Nearby are the remains of a Roman bridge at Cendere and the Karakuş royal tumulus. The Derik and Gerger Fortresses, the Palanli Cave, the Haydaran Rock Tombs, the Karadağ Tumulus 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.