Adıyaman, Turkey: cities, destinations and things to do

The province

Get to know Adıyaman

Adıyaman lies between the eastern Taurus Mountains and the Atatürk dam lake on the Euphrates. It was the center of the Commagene kingdom, which left sanctuaries, tombs and reliefs from the 1st century BC in the region.

High on Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dağı), at about 2,150 meters, Antiochus I ordered a tomb of loose stones to be built, with terraces to the east and west. The statues of gods and the king lost their heads, which today lie lined up on the ground in front of the seated bodies. The site has been a World Heritage Site since 1987.

On the descent to Kâhta, the circuit base, are Arsameia, with the relief of Antiochus shaking Hercules’ hand and a long rock inscription; the Roman Cendere Bridge, a single-arch bridge over the river of the same name; and the Karakuş Tumulus, tomb of the royal women, marked by columns topped with animals.

In the capital, the Perre site has hundreds of rock-cut tombs, and the Adıyaman Museum displays Commagene artifacts. Local cuisine is known for çiğ köfte, a fine wheat dumpling seasoned with pepper, and for eggplant dishes.

Destinations

1 destination in Adıyaman

1 city

Şanlıurfa, Göbekli Tepe and Nemrut

Cities

1 cities in Adıyaman in the guide

Adıyaman

Kâhta

Kâhta is a base for the Nemrut circuit in Adıyaman province. The trip combines the funerary complex on the mountain summit with the Cendere bridge and the remains of Arsameia. The excursions require road travel, time and willingness to walk.

When to go

The road up to Nemrut is usually open from May to October; at the summit, even in summer, mornings and nights are cold. April and November depend on snow. In the plain towns, July and August are hot and dry.

Getting there

Adıyaman Airport (ADF), between the capital and Kâhta, receives domestic flights. From Kâhta the road climbs to Nemrut’s parking area, and the final stretch to the terraces is done on foot. Şanlıurfa, with the GAP airport, is about three hours by road.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Adıyaman

Is it worth seeing sunrise or sunset at Nemrut?

Many tours depart from Kâhta in the early hours for sunrise on the east terrace, or in the afternoon for the end of day on the west terrace. The view depends on the weather; bring warm clothing, because the summit is cold even in summer.

How much walking is there at Nemrut?

From the parking area to the terraces, the walk up takes about 20 to 30 minutes along stone paths. Wear sturdy shoes and go slowly because of the altitude.

Kâhta or the capital, Adıyaman, as a base?

Kâhta is closer to Nemrut and the circuit stops. The capital has more services, the museum and the Perre site.

How many days to set aside for Adıyaman?

One full day for the Nemrut circuit, Arsameia, Cendere and Karakuş, and half a day for Perre and the museum.

Tap a province to see its destinations. Limites: Natural Earth (domínio público). Ilhas do Mármara e dos Príncipes: geoBoundaries / © colaboradores do OpenStreetMap (CC BY-SA). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.